How to Get a Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs are trained primarily to provide affection and relieve stress.
With the growing recognition of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy, more people are looking into how to get a therapy dog, either for personal comfort or to volunteer in their community. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right dog to training, certification, and deployment.
What Is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is a trained canine that provides comfort and emotional support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, disaster zones, and other settings. Unlike service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy dogs are not granted public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, they are permitted in facilities that welcome animal-assisted therapy programs.
Therapy dogs work in structured programs, interacting with patients, students, and individuals in need. Their primary function is to enhance well-being through positive interactions, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Who Can Benefit from a Therapy Dog?
Therapy dogs offer significant benefits for individuals experiencing emotional or physical distress. Some of the primary beneficiaries include:
• Hospital Patients – Therapy dogs help patients undergoing long-term treatments by providing companionship, reducing anxiety, and promoting faster recovery.
• Nursing Home Residents – Many elderly individuals experience loneliness; therapy dogs offer comfort, emotional connection, and a sense of purpose.
• Children with Learning Disabilities – Therapy dogs help children develop confidence in reading programs (such as Reading Education Assistance Dogs - R.E.A.D.).
• Individuals with PTSD or Anxiety – Animal-assisted therapy can help regulate emotions, providing a calming presence during stressful moments.
• College Students – Universities use therapy dogs to reduce stress and anxiety during exam periods.
• Disaster Victims – Therapy dogs are used in crisis response teams to help victims cope with traumatic events.
The Qualities of a Good Therapy Dog
Not all dogs are suited for therapy work. The best therapy dogs exhibit the following characteristics:
✅ Friendly and Sociable: A therapy dog must enjoy human interaction and be comfortable around strangers.
✅ Calm and Well-Mannered: The dog should be relaxed in public places and not easily startled by loud noises.
✅ Non-Aggressive and Non-Reactive: A therapy dog should not show aggression towards people or other animals.
✅ Patient and Gentle: Therapy dogs must remain calm when being touched, hugged, or approached suddenly.
✅ Obedient and Well-Trained: Basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” are essential.
While certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels excel in therapy work, temperament is more important than breed.
Requirements for Becoming a Therapy Dog
Before a dog can become a certified therapy dog, they must meet specific criteria:
• Be at least one year old.
• Be in good health, fully vaccinated, and free of contagious diseases.
• Pass a temperament assessment to evaluate their reaction to different environments and people.
• Have a clean medical history with no aggressive tendencies.
Most therapy dog organizations will require a formal temperament test before granting certification.
Training a Therapy Dog
Training a therapy dog is crucial in ensuring they can handle various environments, interactions, and challenges. A well-trained therapy dog is calm, confident, and responsive to its handler’s cues while remaining friendly and approachable to strangers. The training process is extensive and requires patience and consistency.
Basic Obedience Training
Before a dog can become a therapy dog, they must have a strong foundation in basic obedience. This includes:
• Sit, Stay, and Down – Essential commands for maintaining control in public settings.
• Leave It – Prevents the dog from picking up or reacting to unwanted stimuli, such as food on the floor or sudden movements.
• Loose Leash Walking – Ensures the dog remains at the handler’s side and does not pull when walking through crowded areas.
• Come/Recall Command – Allows the handler to call the dog back reliably in any situation.
• No Jumping – Therapy dogs must not jump on people, as many individuals they visit may be fragile or unsteady.
Socialization and Exposure Training
A therapy dog must be well-socialized with people, environments, and different situations. Socialization should begin at an early age and involve:
• Meeting different people – Exposure to children, seniors, individuals in wheelchairs, and people with mobility aids.
• Visiting various locations – Busy environments like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.
• Experiencing different surfaces – Therapy dogs must be comfortable walking on tiles, carpets, wood floors, and metal ramps.
• Tolerating medical equipment – Dogs must be calm around crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, IV poles, and hospital beds.
Desensitization and Tolerance Training
Therapy dogs must remain composed despite distractions. Training should involve:
• Exposure to loud noises (sirens, alarms, children shouting).
• Teaching the dog to stay calm when touched suddenly, hugged, or gently pulled.
• Simulating chaotic environments where multiple people may interact with the dog.
Specialized Training for Therapy Work
Some therapy dog programs offer specialized training based on the setting they will work in:
• Reading therapy dogs – Trained to sit quietly as children read to them.
• Hospital therapy dogs – Exposed to medical environments and trained to navigate around equipment.
• Crisis response therapy dogs – Trained to help victims of trauma or disasters by providing emotional comfort.
Once the dog has completed training, they should undergo evaluation by a professional trainer or a therapy dog organization to assess their readiness.
Certification and Registration for Therapy Dogs
While therapy dogs do not have the same legal protections as service dogs, certification and registration ensure they meet high standards of behavior and training. Many institutions require therapy dogs to be certified by a reputable organization before being allowed into their programs.
Why Certification Matters
Certification provides:
• Proof of training – Demonstrates that the dog has passed behavior and temperament assessments.
• Access to therapy programs – Many hospitals, schools, and assisted living facilities require certification.
• Insurance coverage – Some organizations offer liability insurance for certified therapy dog teams.
Recognized Therapy Dog Certification Organizations
Several national and international organizations provide certification for therapy dogs, including:
• Therapy Dogs International (TDI)
• Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD)
• Pet Partners
• Love on a Leash
Each organization has specific requirements, such as temperament testing, obedience assessments, and supervised therapy visits.
Steps to Getting Certified
1. Complete Basic Training – The dog must demonstrate obedience and good behavior.
2. Pass a Temperament Test – The dog is evaluated for friendliness, tolerance, and ability to stay calm in various situations.
3. Complete Supervised Visits – Some programs require observed therapy visits before final approval.
4. Submit an Application – Once all requirements are met, handlers can submit an application to register their therapy dog.
Certified therapy dogs are issued identification cards and credentials that allow them to participate in therapy programs.
How to Get a Therapy Dog for Personal or Volunteer Work
Individuals interested in therapy dog work can either adopt a dog suitable for therapy training or train their existing pet.
Adopting a Therapy Dog
If you do not already own a dog, you can adopt one specifically for therapy work. Look for dogs that are:
• Friendly and social – Comfortable with strangers and various environments.
• Calm and confident – Not easily startled by sudden movements or loud noises.
• Healthy and well-behaved – Free from aggressive tendencies and medical issues that may interfere with therapy work.
Using Your Own Dog for Therapy Work
If your current dog has the right temperament, you can train and certify them as a therapy dog.
• Evaluate their temperament – Ensure they enjoy interacting with strangers and can remain calm in busy environments.
• Enroll in a training program – Professional training classes can help reinforce good behavior.
• Pass certification requirements – Once trained, register with a therapy dog organization.
Legal Considerations for Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs do not have public access rights like service dogs. They are only allowed in locations that permit therapy programs.
Public Access Restrictions
• Therapy dogs cannot enter restaurants, grocery stores, or public transport unless permitted by the facility.
• They do not qualify for housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
• They are not allowed to fly in the cabin for free under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
Liability and Insurance Considerations
Many therapy dog organizations require handlers to obtain liability insurance in case of accidents. If a therapy dog is involved in an incident (biting, knocking over a patient), the handler may be held responsible.
Costs Associated with Getting a Therapy Dog
The cost of getting a therapy dog varies based on training, certification, and healthcare expenses.
Adoption or Purchase Costs
• Shelter adoption fees: $200 - $500
• Reputable breeder costs: $1,500 - $3,000
Training Costs
• Basic obedience training: $100 - $500
• Specialized therapy dog training: $500 - $2,000
• Certification fees: $100 - $300
Healthcare and Maintenance Costs
• Veterinary care: $500 - $1,000 per year
• Grooming and supplies: $300 - $600 annually
Volunteering vs. Personal Therapy Use
• Volunteering: Therapy dog teams typically work for free in hospitals and schools.
• Personal use: If used for animal-assisted therapy, handlers may charge for therapy dog visits.
Conclusion
Getting a therapy dog involves selecting the right dog, training them, and obtaining certification. Whether you’re looking to volunteer with your dog or provide comfort to loved ones, therapy dogs bring joy, emotional healing, and companionship to those in need.
If you’re ready to register your therapy dog, AssistanceDogPartners.org offers resources to help you through the process.
