Healing Hearts, Therapy Dogs in Action

Therapy Dogs International is a volunteer organization that helps to provide therapy dogs, training, and assignments for pet owners who want to go into nursing homes, schools, VA and children's hospitals, and physical therapy centers with their dogs to reach out to people who are lonely, ill, or mentally or physically handicapped.

All breeds of dogs are welcome in the program, which is active throughout the United States and Canada.

Therapy Dogs International was established in 1976 by Elaine Smith, a registered nurse working in England. She pioneered the concept of pet therapy and subsequently, thousands of animals have received the necessary training. Therapy dogs are not only man's best friend, but useful and compassionate instruments of their owner's desire to help others who are less fortunate or suffering. In 2006, the organization had more than 15,000 registered therapy dogs and some 13,000 handlers. Therapy Dogs International is a non-profit organization funded by membership dues.

Requirements to Become a Therapy Dog

Although all dogs are potentially welcome at Therapy Dogs International, there is an application process and some core requirements prospective therapy dogs should meet.

The dog has to be current on all vaccinations to be sure the animal is both free from disease and protected from contracting infections during its work. (These vaccinations include mandatory rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza.)
The dog should receive an annual physical checkup to verify that it is in tiptop condition. Therapy Dogs International will evaluate each dog to determine if it is physically capable of providing therapy. (This examination should include a fecal test for parasites and heartworm testing.)
A therapy dog must be comfortable with being leashed. The dog will be touring the hospital or therapy facility and must be contained at all times when not working with patients.
Assisted therapy dogs should be at least one year of age as younger dogs are not as easy to control. (In general "hyper" dogs of any age are not suited to this kind of work.)
Certified therapy dogs must pass a training class, respond to all the basic dog commands, and exhibit good social skills including a tolerance for being touched by strangers. (In many ways, therapy work couldn't be a better career for a dog since many patients, especially elders, are happy just to sit and pet the animals.)
The dog should hold a Canine Good Citizen Certificate issued by the American Kennel Club indicating it has exemplary manners. (See the American Kennel Club web site at akc.org for more information.)

In addition, prospective therapy dogs will need a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian and the owner should seek letters of endorsement from facilities in their area they hope to visit with their dogs.

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Healing Hearts, Therapy Dogs in Action

Requirements to Become a Therapy Dog

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