Therapy Dogs

If you’re interested in getting your dog certified, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Find a reputable therapy dog organization

   Find an animal-assisted therapy organization in your state that offers a training program. There are a number of organizations mentioned below. If you don't find one in your area, try asking at your local shelter, veterinarian, or animal hospital.

2. Take an evaluation and a training course.
   A reputable animal-assisted therapy organization will offer a thorough evaluation, training program, and follow-up. An experienced trainer will evaluate you and your dog as a team and place you in the appropriate classes. Training classes should use positive reinforcement and patient, reward-based methods.

3. Volunteer!
   Many organizations and groups already have relationships with hospitals, schools and other facilities which can help guide, schedule and orient therapy teams as they begin their outreach. Once certificated by a therapy organization, you and your dog can volunteer on your own or work with your organization or find a group with volunteer opportunities in your area.