Therapy dogs play an important role in providing comfort and emotional support to people. However, they don’t focus all their skills and efforts on one person, like a dedicated service dog would. They instead go around with their handler to provide emotional support for those in need. They are commonly employed in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, disaster zones, and other places where the presence of a happy, loving dog may be appreciated.
Given the positive impact these dogs have in their community, many owners are considering turning their dogs into therapy dogs. While this can be an incredibly rewarding experience, it is important to understand the requirements involved. There is a set of therapy dog requirements that every dog must meet before they can work as a formal therapy dog.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide to these requirements, and help you understand what it takes to have a therapy dog. Read to the end as we cover all the therapy dog requirements you should know.
3 Basic Therapy Dog Requirements
Training a therapy dog is much less involved than training a dedicated service dog, though you as the handler also need to meet several standards and requirements yourself. Below, we cover three basic therapy dog requirements to meet before you start training your dog to do therapy dog work.
Have a Suitable Dog
The first requirement is having a dog that’s suitable for therapy dog work. This can’t be stressed enough, as not every dog has the temperament or inherent traits to be a therapy dog.
Therapy dogs must be social, calm, friendly, and comfortable around different types of people in different environments. They should not possess any aggressive traits and must keep their composure without being startled easily. In places where there may be a lot of noise, they should recover quickly and keep their attention on the handler.
Just like any other role, certain breeds make better therapy dogs than others. Breeds like the golden retriever, cavalier King Charles spaniel, Labrador retriever, poodle are among the top choices when it comes to therapy dog work. Given that a sociable and calm temperament is a must, breeds with a protective or shy temperament are generally not the best for this role.
Train Your Dog
Training your dog is another key requirement if you want them to be a therapy dog. Even if your dog is naturally calm and obedient, proper training is a must to ensure they behave appropriately in different environments. Training is also critical for obtaining a therapy dog certification, which we will cover in detail below.
Therapy dogs must have strong obedience skills beyond basic commands and leash manners. They must be willing to receive pets without being startled easily and recover quickly if they do so, which also requires a high degree of socialization. A therapy dog should be comfortable in all kinds of settings and around different kinds of people.
Although there isn’t a state sanctioned training course you must adhere to to qualify for therapy dog work, obedience and socialization are ultimately what determine whether or not a dog is eligible to become a therapy dog.
Obtain a Therapy Dog Certification
Obtaining a therapy dog certification is a critical step in the process. However, it isn’t a must; according to the therapy dog guide by US Service Animals, certification for therapy dogs isn’t a legal requirement. However, while your dog may still be able to provide comfort to others without certification, it can be difficult to find places that accept your dog as a therapy dog without formal recognition.
In many ways, this is similar to having a dog that provides emotional support without having an official letter. Without documentation, there’s no formal way to verify your dog’s role, which can limit where you are allowed to go. As for obtaining one, it often takes quite some work. Read on to learn more.
Pass the American Kennel Club Good Canine Citizen Test
To get a therapy dog certificate, you will need to pass the American Kennel Club’s Good Canine Citizen (GCC) test, as most reputable organizations, such as Therapy Dogs International, require this. This proves that your dog has a solid foundation in training and socialization.
Registering Your Dog
After meeting the AKC GCC requirement, you will need to apply and register your dog, which typically involves submitting an application, passing an evaluation that tests your dog’s training, signing documents to agree to the organization’s guidelines, and paying a registration fee. Once registered, you will obtain your therapy dog certification, which you can then present to organizations and facilities before your dog provides their services.
Summarizing Therapy Dog Requirements
Meeting therapy dog requirements and becoming a team with your dog involves having a suitable dog in the first place, providing proper training (or having them trained), and applying for a certification through a recognized organization.
While this process may take some time and effort, anywhere from a few months to up to a year, meeting therapy dog requirements with your dog is the most important step. Once met, it will lead to many moments of joy as your therapy dog makes a positive impact on the lives of people in need of emotional support.
