Commission proclaims April 30, 2021 as National Therapy Animal Day in Utah County

Utah County commissioners on April 28 adopted a proclamation declaring April 30, 2021 National Therapy Animal Day in Utah County after Utah Pet Partners representatives described their volunteer program and the roles therapy animals play in hospitals, nursing homes and courts.

Debbie Carr, executive director of Utah Pet Partners, said the organization coordinates about 170 volunteer teams across the state and that handlers and animals must pass behavioral evaluations and training standards. She told the commission that national Pet Partners provides $2 million in liability insurance when teams are visiting and the local Utah Pet Partners supplement that coverage with another $2 million, emphasizing reliability and training of volunteers.

Commissioners asked about differences among therapy animals, service animals and emotional-support animals; Carr explained the distinctions and noted that therapy animals focus on others (not their handlers) and are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act in the same way service animals are. The commission moved and approved the proclamation; the presenters and their animal partners were thanked and photographed as part of the recognition.

The proclamation is ceremonial and intended to recognize and encourage the county's use of trained volunteer therapy teams in community institutions.