How to Certify Your Dog as a Therapy Animal

Dogs do far more than keep us company. From detecting illness to comforting people living with PTSD, well-trained therapy dogs make a real difference in the lives around them. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy canines, including organizations like Canine Companions for Independence and Heartland Canines for Veterans.

If you believe your pup has the heart and temperament to take on this kind of work, you may be right. Here's how to get started on the path to certification.

The Three Types of Therapy Dogs

Not every therapy dog does the same job. There are three recognized classifications, each with a different purpose.

Therapeutic Visitation Dogs: These animals visit facilities where residents are on extended stays, such as nursing homes, Veterans Affairs hospitals, or mental health facilities that don't otherwise allow pets.
Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs: These dogs support people already receiving psychiatric help or care for a physical condition, and they're usually trained to perform a specific job for their handler.
Facility Therapy Dogs: Often considered "house dogs," these canines help keep patients with degenerative brain diseases engaged, active, and productive.

Temperament and Age Requirements

Therapy work isn't for every dog. A calm, friendly temperament and solid basic social skills are non-negotiable. Age matters too: your dog must be at least one year old before they can take the certification test.

Certain breeds tend to thrive in this role thanks to their steady, people-oriented personalities. Gentle companions like cavapoos, eager-to-please labrador retrievers, and affectionate cocker spaniels are often natural fits, though temperament always matters more than breed.

Training and the Initial Observation

Preparation is where the real work begins. About four to eight weeks before the test, focus on reinforcing basic commands. If your pup still struggles with cues like sit, drop it, or stay, start there and build from a strong foundation.

Once you feel confident in your dog's obedience, schedule an appointment with a certified therapy animal facility. An evaluator will observe your dog's behavior, and if they're satisfied, your pup advances to the final stage. Working through the AKC Canine Good Citizen program is a great way to sharpen these skills beforehand.

Field Testing in a Real Setting

After passing the initial observation, your dog moves up to the big league. During field testing, they'll perform the required commands in an actual work environment across a series of visits. You must stay in complete control of the situation at all times.

Your dog should never snap at strangers or get rattled by loud noises or sudden movements. If they seem overwhelmed on the first attempt, don't panic. Field tests are typically carried out three to four times, giving each dog a fair shot at success.

Learning From Each Visit

No one wants to see a promising dog fail, especially given all the good they can do. After each visit, note the areas that need improvement, stay patient, and offer plenty of positive reinforcement so your dog can do better the next round.

Therapy Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals

It's important to know that therapy animals are not the same as emotional support animals. Anyone can register an ESA online, but a therapy animal has to prove itself through hands-on, in-person testing. If a company will certify your dog without any real evaluation, that's a red flag.

Do your homework: research the organization, check consumer reviews, and confirm the certification process is legitimate. For guidance on responsible pet ownership and care, the ASPCA's dog care resources are a trustworthy place to start.

Thinking about raising a future therapy companion? Come meet our available puppies at Petland Pensacola, explore the breeds we carry, and ask our team about flexible financing options to bring your new best friend home.