If you’ve ever seen the way your dog lights up a room — calming anxious strangers, comforting sad friends, or making kids smile — you’ve probably wondered: can my dog become a therapy dog? The short answer is yes, and this guide walks you through every step of the process.
Unlike service dogs or emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy dogs visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas to provide comfort to other people — not just their owners. They’re the unsung heroes of animal-assisted therapy, and the demand for them is growing fast.
Note: As of January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation no longer requires airlines to accommodate emotional support animals. ESA letters now primarily apply to housing under the Fair Housing Act.
Therapy Dog vs. Service Dog vs. ESA: What’s the Difference?
Note: As of January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation no longer requires airlines to accommodate emotional support animals. ESA protections now primarily apply to housing under the Fair Housing Act.
Before diving into the certification process, let’s clear up a common confusion that trips up many pet owners:
| Feature | Therapy Dog | Service Dog | Emotional Support Animal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides comfort to others in facilities | Performs specific tasks for handler with disability | Provides emotional comfort to owner |
| Legal Protection | No federal access rights | ADA-protected access everywhere | Fair Housing Act (housing only) |
| Training Required | Basic obedience + temperament evaluation | Extensive task-specific training | No formal training required |
| Certification | Through recognized therapy dog organizations | No mandatory certification (but trained) | Letter from licensed mental health professional |
| Who Benefits | The public (patients, students, etc.) | The individual handler | The individual owner |
Does Your Dog Have What It Takes?
Not every dog is cut out for therapy work — and that’s okay. The best therapy dogs share certain traits that make them natural healers:
Essential Temperament Traits
- Calm and patient — can sit quietly for extended periods without becoming restless
- Friendly with strangers — genuinely enjoys meeting new people, not just tolerates them
- Comfortable being touched — handles petting from multiple people, including awkward or rough touches
- Not easily startled — remains composed around wheelchairs, walkers, loud noises, and medical equipment
- Non-aggressive — has never shown aggression toward people or other animals
- Adaptable — adjusts well to new environments, smells, and situations
Basic Requirements
- At least 1 year old (most organizations require this)
- Up to date on all vaccinations
- Spayed or neutered (most organizations require this)
- Clean and well-groomed
- Has lived with you for at least 6 months
- Solid on basic obedience commands (sit, stay, down, come, leave it)
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Dog Certified as a Therapy Dog
Step 1: Master Basic Obedience
Before pursuing therapy dog certification, your dog needs rock-solid obedience. This means reliable responses to commands in distracting environments — not just your living room. Many dogs who are perfectly obedient at home fall apart in a noisy hospital corridor.
Consider enrolling in a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) class. The AKC’s CGC program tests 10 skills that are essentially the foundation of therapy dog work:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Walking on a loose leash
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit, down, and stay on command
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reaction to distractions
- Supervised separation
Step 2: Pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
While not always mandatory, passing the CGC test is required by most major therapy dog organizations, including Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Think of it as the GED of therapy dog certifications — it proves your dog has the basics down.
The test costs between $10-$20 and is administered by AKC-approved evaluators. You can find a test near you on the AKC website.
Step 3: Choose a Therapy Dog Organization
You’ll need to register with a recognized therapy dog organization. Here are the most reputable ones:
| Organization | Requirements | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Partners | Handler course + evaluation | ~$95-$115/year | Nationwide + international |
| Therapy Dogs International (TDI) | CGC + TDI evaluation | ~$40 registration | Nationwide |
| Alliance of Therapy Dogs | 3 observed visits + evaluation | $30 first year | Nationwide + Canada |
| Love on a Leash | Evaluation + screening | $25/year | Nationwide |
Our recommendation: Pet Partners is the gold standard. They provide the most comprehensive handler training and are recognized by the most facilities. However, Alliance of Therapy Dogs offers the most accessible path if you’re just starting out.
Step 4: Complete Handler Training
This is often the overlooked step. Therapy dog work isn’t just about the dog — it’s about the handler-dog team. You’ll need to learn:
- How to read your dog’s stress signals during visits
- Infection control and hygiene protocols
- Appropriate interactions in different facility types
- How to manage your dog’s energy and take breaks
- Legal liability and insurance considerations
- How to handle difficult or emotional situations
Pet Partners offers an online handler course that takes about 4-6 hours. Other organizations may have in-person training requirements.
Step 5: Pass the Therapy Dog Evaluation
The evaluation goes beyond basic obedience. Evaluators will test your dog’s reactions to:
- Wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers
- People behaving erratically or making sudden movements
- Being petted by multiple people simultaneously
- Loud or unexpected noises (dropped objects, alarms)
- Other animals in close proximity
- Food and treat temptations
- Being hugged or squeezed (often by children or elderly)
Step 6: Start Visiting!
Once certified, you’ll typically be paired with a facility and start with supervised visits. Most therapy dog teams visit 1-2 times per week for 1-2 hours per session. Common visit locations include:
- Hospitals — helping patients recover faster and reduce pain perception
- Nursing homes — combating loneliness and stimulating memory in dementia patients
- Schools — reading programs, stress relief during exams, special education support
- Disaster relief areas — providing comfort to victims and first responders
- Courthouses — supporting witnesses and victims during testimony
- Airports — calming nervous travelers (increasingly popular!)
Best Dog Breeds for Therapy Work
While any breed (or mixed breed!) can become a therapy dog if they have the right temperament, certain breeds consistently excel at this work:
- Labrador Retriever — The #1 therapy dog breed. Friendly, patient, and nearly unflappable.
- Golden Retriever — Gentle, intuitive, and naturally comforting. The classic therapy dog.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Small, lap-friendly, and incredibly empathetic.
- Poodle (all sizes) — Hypoallergenic, intelligent, and sensitive to human emotions.
- Beagle — Cheerful, sturdy, and great with children.
- Greyhound — Surprisingly calm and gentle. A dark horse (pun intended) in therapy work.
- Bernese Mountain Dog — Big, fluffy, and patient. Perfect for facilities that want a “wow” factor.
- Corgi — Approachable size with a big personality. Great for school programs.
How Much Does Therapy Dog Certification Cost?
The total investment is surprisingly affordable compared to other certifications:
- CGC test: $10-$20
- Obedience classes (if needed): $100-$300 for a 6-week course
- Handler training: $0-$50 (often included with organization registration)
- Organization registration: $25-$115/year
- Evaluation fee: $0-$50
Total estimated cost: $135-$535 — a fraction of what service dog training costs ($15,000-$50,000).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the process — Some dogs need months of socialization before they’re ready. That’s normal.
- Ignoring stress signals — Lip licking, yawning, whale eye, and tucked tails mean your dog needs a break.
- Forcing therapy work on a reluctant dog — Not every dog enjoys it, and that’s okay.
- Skipping ongoing training — Certification isn’t a “one and done” deal. Regular practice keeps skills sharp.
- Buying fake certificates online — Legitimate therapy dog certification requires in-person evaluation. Online-only certificates are meaningless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any dog become a therapy dog?
Technically yes — there are no breed restrictions. However, your dog must have the right temperament: calm, friendly, comfortable with strangers, and not easily startled. Some dogs are simply better suited to be couch companions than therapy visitors, and there’s no shame in that.
How long does the certification process take?
From start to finish, expect 2-6 months. This includes obedience training (if needed), the CGC test, handler training, and the therapy dog evaluation. Dogs that already have solid obedience can sometimes complete the process in as little as 4-6 weeks.
Can I take my therapy dog anywhere?
No. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do not have public access rights under the ADA. They can only visit facilities that have invited them. You cannot bring your therapy dog into restaurants, stores, or other public places unless they specifically allow it.
Do therapy dogs get paid?
Therapy dog work is volunteer-based. Neither the handler nor the dog receives payment. However, some facilities may reimburse mileage or provide small tokens of appreciation. The real reward is the impact you see in people’s faces.
Can my puppy become a therapy dog?
Most organizations require dogs to be at least 1 year old. Puppies can start socialization and basic training early, but they need to mature before handling the demands of therapy visits.
The Bottom Line
Getting your dog certified as a therapy dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a pet owner. It’s affordable, accessible, and makes a genuine difference in people’s lives. The process takes some time and commitment, but if your dog has the temperament for it, the impact is immeasurable.
Start with basic obedience, pursue the CGC certification, choose a reputable therapy dog organization, and take it one step at a time. Your dog might just become someone’s best day in the hospital, a lonely senior’s brightest moment, or a scared child’s source of comfort.
Ready to get started? Check out our guides on the best service dog breeds for anxiety and the most common therapy dog breeds to learn more about choosing the right dog for therapy work.
Related Resources
Looking for more guidance on therapy dogs? Check out these helpful articles:
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