How do you get Therapy Dog Certification?
For those of you wondering exactly what it took for Izzy and I to become a certified therapy dog team or if you are thinking about doing therapy with your dog, this post is for you.
There are several national organizations that certify therapy dogs and each has a little different procedure. Izzy and I are certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs so that is what I will cover in this post.
With Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) the first step is a handling assessment:
A certified Tester/Observer (T/O) evaluates:
Your dog’s basic manners
Calm behavior around strangers and other dogs
Ability to remain controlled in public settings
Your ability to follow ATD rules and handle your dog safely
The Test focuses on real-world behaviors the dogs will need in a therapy situation:
Calm demeanor
Friendly but not overly excited behavior
Ability to handle distractions
Strong handler–dog communication
Comfort around medical equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
The video below is from Alliance of Therapy Dogs and goes over both handling your dog on visits and the handling exam.
The ATD Handling Assessment:
In addition to the Handling Assessment, handlers must pass a background check, 3 to 4 supervised visits and an oral rules review and submit a health verification for their dog signed by their vet. There is a fee for the background check and then an annual membership fee which covers your insurance. There is also a yearly renewal process.
Izzy and I did this through our local group, F.E.T.C.H. Therapy Dogs. You can learn more about F.E.T.C.H. at:
Feel free to email (Izzythetherapydog@gmail.com) or comment if you have any questions.
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