Already recognized as the gold standard for therapy animal programs and the only national organization registering multiple species, we are committed to expanding the number of registered therapy animal teams and strengthening support for our existing teams. Pet Partners is always looking to provide more opportunities for handlers and their pets. Some areas for potential expansion include creating educational materials and training for teams wishing to volunteer in the criminal justice system, teams interested in the motivation for physical activity that an animal partner provides, and an evaluation to look for suitability for volunteering with children. Longer terms objectives include the creation of the first grassroots advocacy network dedicated to advancing legislation and public policy in support of the human health benefits of the Human Animal Bond and expanding our efforts to advocate for the importance of companion animals for human health.

Pet Partners has recently leveraged board advised funds to invest in fundraising to ensure the long term stability and growth of Pet Partners. Pet Partners' expanded approach to fundraising will make the organization more sustainable and able to take on new programs so that more people can receive the physical and mental health benefits of the human animal bond.

Pet Partners has a wide network of 15,500 volunteer therapy animal teams who are committed to bringing comfort and healing to those who need it most. Our volunteers are supported by a customer service team that responds to inquiries, provides tech support, and guides volunteers through the registration process. Pet Partners' online Volunteer Center lets teams know of volunteer opportunities in their community and includes ongoing educational materials. The Volunteer Center ensures that our teams stay enaged with our mission even after they have completed the registration process.

Pet Partners measures its progress against goals set in the strategic planning process. Pet Partners uses this to determine what new services the organization should provide, as well as how to improve mission delivery.

In 2016 Pet Partners accomplished so much. A few examples include: -Two new and innovative webinars: Canine Body Language and Infection Control. -An endorsement from Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). -20 practicums to train evaluators who help determine if prospective volunteers are eligible to become a therapy animal team. -1,766 new teams registered as of August 2016. -Nearly 3 million people were visited by a therapy animal team in 2016! Pet Partners is always looking forward to determine what needs the therapy animal program has and how it can be expanded. A few examples of upcoming goals include: -A course to help handlers determine if their pet is a good fit for visiting with children. -Online courses on visiting with special populations, including children with special needs. -Training more evaluators as the interest in volunteering with Pet Partners grows.