No, PAT Cats do not have to be house cats, however we do not accept cats that are ‘known active hunters’.

Our definition of ‘known active hunter’ refers to a cat that is known/suspected by its owner to be a habitual successful hunter (ie. hunts at least once a month or more).

We understand that hunting behaviours in cats are natural, but cats that are habitual successful hunters (regularly bringing kill/prey home, etc) do carry a higher risk to the people who benefit from PAT visits.

Our PAT Pets give so much during visits and if a cat is in the later stage of its life, it may be too stressful for it to start this venture. If your pet is older, please consider the impact that visiting a new and demanding environment may have on your pet - it could exacerbate existing health conditions.

We understand this may be a disappointment, but the welfare of our PAT Pets must come first.

As a provider of therapeutic pet visits across the UK we always strive to ensure visits are carried out in the safest way possible and following all guidelines and recommendations. This includes guidance from the Intensive Care Society and guidance from the Royal College of Nursing which states visiting therapeutic pets cannot be fed a raw diet.

An accredited PAT Assessor will arrange to meet you and your pet at a convenient location. The assessment should last around 45 minutes and it enables us to make sure your cat is friendly, well socialised and calm, and enjoys being stroked or handled.

We also check that you own a fit, healthy and clean cat that will behave appropriately under demanding social and physical situations. And we find out a bit more about you, too.

You should bring your cat's favourite treats, grooming equipment and vaccination details with you.

Assessors are asked to make note of any other behaviours that they may observe throughout the assessment, for example, jumping up, excessive licking, hissing or vocalising. Such behaviours are not acceptable on PAT visits.

For more information, please download our PAT Assessment Factsheet.

No, we are unable to carry out an assessment at your home address. It's important that the assessment takes place at a location where our PAT Assessor can see how your pet behaves when it visits a new environment.

If your cat does not meet our assessment requirements, or there's a considered to be an unacceptable risk to the clients/patients on a visit, your cat will be deferred.

Assessors are trained to conduct the assessment in such a way that all pets are assessed fairly and consistently. You will be given clear explanation on why your pet has not passed the assessment on this occasion, guidance on how to improve and a timeline for a reassessment. The most common causes of deferral are:

Socialisation needs: Pets that are not comfortable around strangers or children should be further socialised before taking their reassessment. Pets who are nervous in a new environment will also need further socialising.

Behavioural training: Pets that jump up, paw or claw, vocalise or lick, or pull on the lead will require additional training.

Volunteers are not required to wear an official Pets As Therapy uniform, but you must always display your ID badge while on visits.

If you are to appear in a publicity or Head Office event, you and your pet may be asked to wear PAT clothing featuring our logo – you’ll be able to borrow items from our loan stock. We also have items that you're able to buy.

Volunteers are required to pay an annual contribution to PAT, which is currently £25 (or £35 for a joint contribution). This helps to fund our admin costs and third-party insurance cover for PAT Teams.

Expenses may be reimbursed by some of the places you visit. Please enquire about this before you start visiting.

No. Pets As Therapy does not assess or provide working or school pets. Any visits conducted outside of PAT's official guidelines are not covered by PAT insurance, and PAT accepts no liability for incidents arising from such visits.

As a PAT Volunteer, your primary responsibility is to your cat and you are unable to do this if you're teaching a class. If there was an emergency and the school had to be evacuated, as a volunteer you would be responsible for your cat, but as a teacher you're responsible for the children and therefore the welfare of either would be compromised.

There is no set requirement on how often you need to go on PAT visits, but regular visits are greatly appreciated by all those who receive them. Please discuss this with the place you intend to visit. For further information, please contact our Head Office.

Please take a look at our Volunteer Agreement to find out more.