How to make a dog a therapy dog?

After a dog/handler team has passed the TOP test, the next step is to learn more about Pet-Assisted Therapy through hands on training, by working with experienced Share-A-Pet Team Leaders and Members. read more

There are two broad categories of therapy service. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) uses companion animals as a part of the patient’s therapy. Interactions with the dog are part of a treatment plan designed by a healthcare professional to improve the patient’s physical or emotional function. read more

At the Alliance of Therapy dogs, the process is as follows: Step 1: A therapy dog must be a friendly dog. Any mix or breed can be trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, retirement homes, schools, mental health institutions, airports, and many other settings. Dogs must be at least one year old to become a therapy dog. read more