Therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support in various settings, including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and disaster relief areas. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do not perform specific tasks for an individual but interact with multiple people to provide psychological and emotional benefits. To ensure a therapy dog meets the necessary behavioral and temperament standards, certification through a recognized organization is recommended.
This guide outlines the requirements, training process, and steps to get your therapy dog certified.
Understanding Therapy Dog Certification
What Is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort, affection, and companionship to people in need. These dogs visit healthcare facilities, schools, and other institutions to support emotional well-being. Therapy dogs do not have public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but must meet specific behavior and temperament criteria to participate in therapy programs.
Why Is Certification Important?
Therapy dog certification:
- Ensures the dog meets behavioral and temperament standards.
- Provides access to therapy programs in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.
- Validates the dog’s ability to remain calm and well-behaved in public settings.
- Offers liability insurance coverage through some certifying organizations.
Requirements for Therapy Dog Certification
Basic Eligibility Criteria
Most therapy dog organizations have the following requirements:
- Age: Dogs must typically be at least 1 year old.
- Temperament: Dogs must be calm, friendly, and non-aggressive.
- Training: Basic obedience skills are required.
- Health: Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and in good health.
- Cleanliness: Regular grooming and hygiene are essential.
Suitable Breeds for Therapy Work
Any breed can become a therapy dog, but ideal candidates have a calm and friendly demeanor. Common breeds include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Poodles
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
Regardless of breed, a dog’s temperament and training determine its suitability as a therapy dog.
Training Your Dog for Therapy Work
Basic Obedience Training
Before applying for certification, therapy dogs must master basic obedience commands, such as:
- Sit – Remain seated when meeting new people.
- Stay – Hold position despite distractions.
- Come – Respond immediately when called.
- Leave it – Ignore distractions like food or objects.
- Down – Lie down to encourage a calm demeanor.
Socialization and Exposure Training
A well-socialized therapy dog should be comfortable in various environments. Training should include:
- Interacting with different people (children, elderly individuals, individuals with disabilities).
- Exposure to medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, hospital beds).
- Familiarity with different environments (schools, hospitals, airports).
- Calm behavior in loud or crowded spaces (emergency sirens, alarms, busy hallways).
Handling and Touch Desensitization
Therapy dogs must be comfortable with:
- Being petted by multiple people.
- Having their ears, paws, and tail touched.
- Receiving sudden hugs or close contact.
- Walking on different surfaces (carpet, tile, hospital floors).
Gradual exposure and positive reinforcement help dogs develop tolerance and patience.
Steps to Get a Therapy Dog Certified
Step 1: Choose a Recognized Therapy Dog Organization
Several organizations offer therapy dog certification, including:
- Therapy Dogs International (TDI)
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD)
- Pet Partners
- Love on a Leash
Each organization has its own requirements and evaluation process.
Step 2: Complete an Evaluation or Test
Most therapy dog organizations require an in-person evaluation. The test typically assesses:
- Basic obedience skills (sit, stay, come, heel).
- Ability to remain calm around distractions.
- Non-reactivity to sudden noises.
- Friendly behavior toward strangers.
- Comfort with medical equipment and mobility aids.
The handler is also evaluated to ensure they can properly control the dog and guide interactions.
Step 3: Complete Supervised Visits (If Required)
Some organizations, such as Pet Partners, require dogs to complete supervised visits before full certification. These visits allow evaluators to assess:
- The dog’s comfort level in real therapy settings.
- The handler’s ability to manage the dog in public environments.
Step 4: Submit Certification Paperwork
After passing the evaluation, handlers must:
- Provide veterinary records verifying vaccinations and overall health.
- Complete any required background checks (if applicable).
- Pay certification or registration fees.
Step 5: Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
Certified therapy dogs must:
- Follow annual re-evaluation requirements (varies by organization).
- Maintain good health and hygiene.
- Abide by facility-specific guidelines when visiting.
Some programs offer advanced certification levels, allowing dogs to work in specialized settings, such as trauma response or disaster relief.
Legal Considerations and Public Access Rights
Do Therapy Dogs Have Public Access Rights?
No, therapy dogs do not have public access rights under the ADA. They are only permitted in facilities where they have been invited for therapy work. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs must follow standard pet policies in public places such as restaurants, stores, and transportation.
Housing and Travel Rights for Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs do not have automatic rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) or Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). However, some institutions may grant exceptions based on their policies.
Conclusion
Getting a therapy dog certified involves selecting a recognized organization, ensuring the dog meets behavioral and health requirements, and passing an evaluation. With proper training and certification, therapy dogs can provide meaningful emotional support to individuals in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and crisis situations.
Maintaining certification through regular evaluations and responsible handling ensures therapy dogs remain effective in their role, bringing comfort and companionship to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A Section)
How long does it take to get a therapy dog certified?
The process varies by organization, but it typically takes several months to complete training, socialization, and evaluations.
Can any dog become a therapy dog?
While any breed can qualify, therapy dogs must have a calm temperament, friendly personality, and strong socialization skills.
What is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
- Therapy Dogs: Provide comfort to multiple people in hospitals, schools, and other institutions. They do not have public access rights under the ADA.
- Service Dogs: Trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. They have full public access rights under the ADA.
Do therapy dogs need special training?
Yes, therapy dogs must undergo obedience training, socialization, and public behavior training before certification.
Can therapy dogs visit any facility after certification?
No, therapy dog visits require facility approval. Handlers must coordinate with hospitals, schools, or nursing homes before visits.
By following these certification steps, therapy dog handlers can ensure their dogs are well-prepared to provide emotional support in various settings.