Therapy Dog Certification  

All prospective therapy dogs begin with an initial assessment to determine whether they have the temperament required for therapy work. If they pass this initial evaluation, the dog and handler begin training to meet the standards set by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), an international registry for certified therapy dog teams. 

To earn certification from ATD, the team must complete in-person evaluations that assess the dog's behavior and manners, as well as the handler's control and communication skills. As part of the certification process, the team is observed during three supervised visits to medical facility residents. 

Once these visits are successfully completed and the handler submits all required documentation—including proof of current vaccinations, a negative fecal exam, and a criminal background check—the dog and handler can participate in onboarding to become a certified Therapy Team. 

Onboarding will cover how to sign up for visits, client confidentiality and sensitivity, visit guidelines, and an overview of the program's various partners.