General Manager Beth becomes a Pets As Therapy Assessor
Date 17 August 2026
Our General Manager has qualified as a Pets As Therapy Assessor, helping dog and cat owners to share their pets’ love with those who need it most.
Beth MacLeod-Birch already takes her Sprocker Spaniel, Martha, to visit residents in our partners’ care homes after Martha successfully passed the charity’s assessment to become a therapy dog.
These visits have brought so much joy to hundreds of people in care homes and other care settings, and Martha never fails to make people smile.
Now, Beth has become an assessor to ensure dog and cat owners can safely take their pets into schools, hospitals, care homes and community groups to bring the comfort and companionship to others.
Beth, who carries out the role on a voluntary basis, said: “I attended a full day course in Doncaster with about 20 other volunteers and we learnt what our roles and responsibilities would be as an assessor.
“We found out how to assess the behaviours of the dog or cat and the handler, understand where to meet people to carry out the assessments, and how to raise any concerns.
“We spoke to other volunteer assessors who brought their dogs, so we could complete a practical assessment, and we all passed.
“I’m really proud. Martha already creates so many smiles and brings joy wherever she goes, so being able to assess others to help them do the same will be so rewarding.”
Beth with our therapy dog, Martha, during one her care home visits.
Beth is now a qualified PAT Assessor.
In her assessor role, Beth needs to ensure the dog or cat has a nice temperament, isn’t scared of being touched and does not jump or bark as a result.
She also needs to check whether the handler can react quickly if this behaviour arises, and how both the handler and pet react to loud noises to ensure they’re not frightened.
Beth said: “Being a volunteer and an assessor for Pets As Therapy completely ties in with our #feelthelove ethos at Care Connection Partners.
“We love working with our fantastic partners to do whatever we can to add value and share that love, brightening days and making memories.
“It will be amazing to help more volunteers start that journey and follow the same path.”