Definition of a Therapy Dog
Therapy Dogs are certified/registered dogs, at least 1 year of age, and any breed, who visit people in nursing homes, hospitals (patients as well as staff), airports, rehab facilities, schools, libraries, college campuses, assisted living facilities and other institutions in an effort to lift spirits. They also can provide emotional support and stress relief in workplace environments. Well-mannered and well-behaved therapy dogs and their handlers share the dog’s unconditional love with the people they visit in our communities. Therapy dogs, by invitation or courtesy, may enter any facility that allows therapy dogs to be on their premises.
This is not the same as a service dog. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with challenges or disabilities and have public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
It has been determined that the petting of a dog can help relieve stress and lower blood pressure. A therapy dog reinforces its purpose with every visit.
Therapy dog activities include
- Visiting area hospital patients along with family members as well as patients in hospice
- Provide respite to residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Provide emotional support and stress relief in workplace environments.
- Reading programs for children at libraries
- Visits at schools to promote well-being and educate students about therapy dogs
- De-stress days for college students during final exams
- Visits to the airports providing destress for passengers
- Present educational programs to local groups such as Brownies, Boy Scouts, Senior Citizens, church groups, etc.
- Provide relief after natural disasters and traumatic events.
- Participation in Pet Shows and Health Fairs
A therapy dog must
- Be at least one year of age
- If dog is a rescue, it must be owned for at least 6months
- Be good around other dogs
- Listen to their handlers
- Allow strangers to approach and/or pet
- Be under control by handler at all times
- Walk on a leash without pulling
- Tolerate strange noises and smells
- Not be afraid of medical equipment
- Not be afraid of people walking unsteadily
- Be current on all vaccines required by Alliance of Therapy Dogs
- Have a negative fecal test every 12 months
- Be clean and well groomed and have trimmed nails
Any dog of any breed or mix of breeds with these qualifications is a good candidate to be a therapy dog.
See Getting Started for more information on getting involved with your dog.