Have you ever thought that your dog might make a good therapy dog? Maybe you know of a nursing home where a visit from your dog would infuse the residents' lives with a much-needed dose of joy, but you're not sure how to make it happen or even where to start. If you've ever wondered what steps are necessary to register a therapy dog, or what's involved in training a therapy dog, keep reading.
What Therapy Dogs Do
Therapy dogs, along with their handlers, visit people in places, such as schools, nursing homes and hospitals to help improve the lives of people in difficult situations. When you register a therapy dog, he might cheer up a terminally ill patient or be a friend to a lonely senior. Therapy dogs help kids suffering from anxiety or depression by providing a calming influence. A therapy dog's main job is simply to provide companionship, entertainment and love to those who are struggling with difficult circumstances.
Therapy Dog vs. Service Dog
It's important to distinguish between a therapy dog and a service dog. Service dogs live with the people they're trained to serve and provide highly specialized services, such as guiding the blind or providing assistance to the physically disabled. Service dogs receive rigorous training in order to perform their duties effectively, and they are legally permitted to go wherever their human companions go, including places like restaurants and on airplanes. While therapy dogs enjoy special access to facilities when they're invited to visit, they don't have unrestricted access the way service dogs do.
Training a Therapy Dog
Because a therapy dog's job is simply to be a dog for those in need, they don't have to undergo a lot of specialized training. They do, however, need to be proficient in basic obedience skills and be highly socialized and able to get along well with strangers. Some therapy dog organizations may require their canine students to pass the Good Citizen test provided by the AKC. Therapy dogs may also need to undergo desensitization training so that they won't become rattled in situations involving boisterous children or noisy hospital machines.
Some therapy dog registration organizations provide training courses for those who need them, but most do not. You may need to take it upon yourself to either train your dog or enroll him in independent training courses. These are the courses your dog will likely need to take in preparation for becoming a therapy dog:
- Basic and intermediate obedience training.
- Canine Good Citizen training.
- Desensitization training, which includes exposure to strange situations and loud noises, as well as acclimation to hospitals and other specialized environments.
Check with the organization with which you plan to register your dog to find out the exact requirements. They may be able to assist you with finding classes or a therapy dog training specialist in your community.
Tasty Tips
Additional Therapy Dog Requirements
Dogs of any breed, shape, or size can become therapy dogs. In order to be considered for therapy dog registration, a dog should be at least one year of age. He also needs to be friendly, confident, and well-mannered and not aggressive, anxious, fearful, or hyperactive. You must also be able to demonstrate that either you or the person who will accompany your dog on visitations are able to work well with the dog.
Typically, therapy dog organizations also have health requirements that your dog must meet. For example, Therapy Dogs International (TDI) lists the following health requirements:
- Your dog needs to have had an annual health check performed by your veterinarian within the past 12 months.
- He must be current on his rabies vaccination, and it must have been administered by a vet.
- He must have received all of his core vaccinations, including for distemper, parvo, and hepatitis.
- He must have received a stool exam within the past 12 months, with negative results.
- He must also have tested negative for heartworm within the past year, or be on continuous heartworm prevention medication.
How to Register a Therapy Dog
Before you can volunteer your dog as a therapy dog, you first need to register with a therapy dog organization, that can then match you to facilities where you and your dog can volunteer. Check your local listings for a therapy dog registration organization in your area, or visit the American Kennel Club (AKC) for a list of AKC-approved therapy dog organizations.
Once you're confident your dog meets all the qualifications to become a therapy dog, both you (or the person who will be volunteering alongside your pup) and your dog will need to undergo evaluation by the organization. The evaluation usually takes place in person with a group of other potential volunteer teams, and is typically done in a hospital or nursing home environment. Tests that your dog will undergo might include:
- Meeting and greeting new people
- Sit/stay and down/stay in a group situation
- Coming when called
- Visiting with a patient
- Reactions to children and unusual situations
- The leave-it command
- Meeting another dog
- Entering the facility
Keep in mind that your dog isn't the only one that will be evaluated. The evaluator will also be watching closely to see how you interact with your dog, as well as how well you and your dog get along and work together as a team. If the evaluator is satisfied with both your and your dog's performance, you will both be allowed to register as a therapy dog team.
If a therapy dog organization doesn't provide testing in your area, some organizations, including TDI, make provisions for limited registration based on long-distance evaluation. To be considered, you will need to provide graduation certificates for basic and intermediate obedience courses along with a letter from the obedience school attesting to your dog's temperament. You will also need to provide a letter of recommendation from your veterinarian, as well as a letter from the facility you wish to visit, written on the facility's letterhead, stating that you and your dog are welcome to visit.
It's quite a process to train and register a therapy dog, but it can be a rewarding experience for you and your pup, not to mention for those who will benefit from your dog's companionship.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Related articles
Dog Not Pooping or Peeing?
Learn what to do if your dog is experiencing constipation or an inability to pee. If he isn't going at least twice a day, learn what steps you should take.
Managing Kidney Failure in Dogs
Learn from a Veterinarian: All about kidney & renal failure in dogs, from what symptoms are for both acute & chronic conditions, to treatment & management.
How to Handle Your Dog's Wasp or Bee Sting
Stings can be painful and irritating to dogs. Learn about common types of stinging insects, how to identify allergic reactions and simple pain remedies.
Leptospirosis in Dogs: Facts, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Learn important information about Leptospirosis in dogs, including what it is, how its diagnosed, common symptoms & treatments, and prevention tips.
Managing Megaesophagus in Dogs
Learn about megaesophagus in dogs, how it makes digestion difficult & impacts your dog's health, and tips for helping you manage this condition.
Tips for Helping Senior & Older Dogs in Winter & Snow
Learn how to help senior dogs navigate cold winters and snowy weather, including how long to leave them outside & walking tips.
Risks of Overfeeding Your Dog
Learn how overfeeding your dog can lead to dangerous consequences for his health. Keep your dog happy and healthy with a balanced nutrition.
Why Science Matters in Your Dog's Food
Learn why scientific research is important in formulating quality dog food, especially for things like taste, size, texture and nutritional ingredients.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Command Training Your Puppy
If you're interested in training your new puppy to sit, stay, lie down, fetch and more, then read these help command training tips from Hill's.
Gastroenteritis in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn the types of gastroenteritis in dogs, the various ways symptoms that can show up, treatment options and when it's serious enough for a vet visit.
Taking your dog to the vet
Trips to the vet can be a challenge for dog owners. Read these tips to have a better vet visit for your dog, including transporting the dog with a carrier.
The Safest Way to Travel With a Dog in the Car
Use these helpful tips for going on a road trip with your dog to keep him safe and happy.
Tapeworms in Dogs: How Dogs Get Them & Getting Rid of Them
Learn how common tapeworms in a dog are, how to spot the signs of tapeworms on your dog (or in their poop), and tips about prevention & treatment.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Hunting
If you're considering training your dog to help you hunt, follow these safety tips to make sure he stays out of danger.
Dog Jumping: Why They Jump & How to Train Them Not To
Learn common reasons why dogs like to jump on you, interesting facts about breeds that jump the most & highest, and how to stop their jumping behavior.
My Dog Sleeps All Day: Is That Normal?
Concerned that your dog is sleeping all day? Learn how many hours dogs should be sleeping and why things like age have an impact on his sleeping habits.
Can My Dog Eat Popcorn? (& Which Flavors are Safe?)
Learn how safe popcorn is for your dog, particular types & flavors of popcorn to avoid, and how much is an ideal amount for your pup.
Dog Tail Signs: What That Wagging Means
Learn how to tell what your dog is feeling from his tail wagging, including what mood he might be in based on the motions and speed of his tail.
Pets, Marijuana & THC: What You Need To Know
If your dog ate marijuana, don't panic. Learn how weed and THC can affect dogs, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.
Facts About Kidney Disease in Dogs
Learn what kidney disease is in dogs and what can cause it. Learn the signs of kidney disease in canines as well as potential treatment options.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.