Behavioral Requirements

Health and Vaccination Requirements

Training Programs and Certifications

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

Therapy Dogs International

FAQs About Therapy Dogs and Qualifications

To have your dog recognized as a therapy animal, Compassionate Care Therapy Canines, Inc. (CCTC) requires that the dog be at least one year old. Do you believe that both you and your beloved companion possess the essential traits for this important role? If so, consider the steps you can take to embark on this fulfilling journey together. Let’s explore the fundamental qualifications that therapy dogs need to fulfill.

To begin, please download and complete our background clearance form and send it back to us either by email or traditional mail. After we receive your clearance, we will arrange a physical examination for your dog, which will include a fecal test, along with blood work for you.

Once we receive a positive clearance of the physical, fecal test for your dog from the Veterinarian and blood work from you and the completion of CCTC Veterinarian clearance from the veterinarian including, the service charges for the physical, fecal test and your blood work

To have your dog recognized as a therapy animal, Compassionate Care Therapy Canines, Inc. (CCTC) requires that the dog be

Therapy dogs must possess a calm and gentle demeanor, as those that are anxious or aggressive cannot effectively bring comfort to those in need. The ideal therapy dog embodies tranquility and kindness, fostering an atmosphere of love and compassion. In addition to this soothing nature, there are other essential behavioral traits that these remarkable dogs should display to truly excel in their vital role.

• - Welcoming and friendly with newcomers
  - At ease around other pets and dogs
  - Gentle and non-aggressive nature
  - Low anxiety levels, including minimal separation anxiety
  - Loves physical affection and snuggling
  - Shows patience in various situations
  - Obeys commands reliably
  - Easily adjusts to new surroundings
  - Sociable and friendly with others
  - Stays calm in busy or stressful environments

Now that we have explored the essential behaviors that lead to a therapy dog's effectiveness, let's shift our focus to the health requirements crucial for their overall well-being.

Behavioral Requirements

Therapy dogs must possess a calm and gentle demeanor, as those that are anxious or aggressive cannot effectively bring

Health and Vaccination Requirements

To achieve certification as a therapy dog, it is essential to register and fulfill specific health and vaccination criteria. Keeping your dog's vaccination records current is crucial, as is ensuring they are well-groomed and free from health issues to guarantee their safety and comfort in public environments. It is advisable to steer clear of raw diets due to contamination risks.

Regular de-worming and preventive care are vital for the well-being of both your dog and those they interact with. After completing your background check, you will need to arrange for a physical examination and fecal test with a local veterinarian, which you will be responsible for covering. Once you obtain the veterinarian's certification and your dog is approved for the therapy dog program, you can submit the invoice for reimbursement, which should include both your annual physical and your dog's fecal test results.

We will provide a harness and leashes (4’ and 6’), along with ID cards and a Compassionate Care Therapy Canines jacket for your visits with the Therapy Dog Team.

Training Programs and Certifications

Once you have defined the essential behavior and health standards, the next phase is training. You will participate in a session at Hum Dogs Canine Good Citizen, where you will be evaluated before progressing to your international therapy dog team certification with Therapy Dogs International.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

You and your dog will be scheduled for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, is a 10-skill test designed to teach your dog the necessary traits of a therapy dog and responsible pet ownership for you as a handler. It's a practical test focusing on behaviors every dog can learn, and anyone can participate.

- Welcomes friendly strangers with ease and confidence
- Enjoys being petted while sitting calmly
- Allows gentle examination and brief grooming
- Can take a short walk on a loose leash
- Walks through public spaces without jumping
- Responds to cues by staying in place or sitting
- Comes promptly when called
- Interacts positively with other dogs
- Remains calm in the face of distractions or noise
- Waits patiently for the owner’s return without showing aggression

The cost of this 8 week skill training is $120 as of this writing. Once you have completed the course and successfully pass their evaluation, submit to us the cost of the Canine Good Citizen program and we will reimburse you the cost of training and evaluation.

Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a dedicated nonprofit organization that focuses on the registration, certification, and evaluation of therapy dogs and their handlers. To become a member, both you and your dog must successfully complete an assessment conducted by one of TDI's evaluators. As one of the oldest therapy dog organizations in the United States, TDI boasts evaluators across all 50 states, ensuring a wide reach and support for those seeking to spread comfort and joy through their canine companions.

Once you and your dog have achieved certification as a therapy dog team, we will provide you with an ID featuring both of your pictures. Additionally, you will receive a custom collar and leash for your furry companion.

To help you get started, we will also supply a list of organizations that could benefit from your therapy dog services, complete with contact names and phone numbers to facilitate access to their facilities, along with guidance on the necessary steps to enter those locations.

Therapy Dogs International

FAQs About Therapy Dogs and Qualifications

Many questions surround therapy dogs and their qualifications. Here are a few of the most asked questions.

How long does it take to train a therapy dog?

The time it takes to train a dog to be a therapy dog can vary. Some dogs may train quickly, while others may have behavior issues they must overcome first. However, a typical dog therapy training course is around eight weeks long.

Can any breed of dog become a therapy dog?

Yes! Any breed of dog can become a therapy dog. That said, some breeds tend to have a personality and temperament that works well for therapy. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Border Collies, and German shepherds make good therapy dogs as they are social and easy to train.

Are therapy dogs allowed in all public spaces?

As therapy dogs are not ESA or service dogs, they are only allowed in the public spaces where they are working as therapy dogs.

What happens if my dog doesn't pass the therapy dog certification test?

Many dogs don't pass the certification tests the first time. The CGC and most certification tests can be taken as often as needed. If you are dedicated to training your dog to be a therapy canine?

How do therapy dogs benefit mental health?

Being around therapy dogs helps release the feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Therapy dogs also help decrease the stress hormone cortisol.

What kind of temperament is required for a therapy dog?

A good therapy dog's temperament is loving, calm, patient, and genuine. They love human touch and contact.

How can I volunteer with my therapy dog in hospitals or schools?

Many dog therapy organizations connect volunteers with local opportunities to serve in schools and hospitals. We will provide you with a list where you and your dog should register as volunteers with one or all of these organizations.

Can therapy dogs help with specific conditions like PTSD or depression?

Yes, studies have shown that therapy dogs can help to reduce symptoms for those who struggle with conditions like PTSD and depression.

What is the difference between a therapy dog certification and a service dog certification?

A service dog certification course involves complex and rigorous training to perform specific tasks depending on the disabilities that they assist with. On the other hand, therapy dog certification checks for basic obedience and staying calm around people or other animals.

‍The Path to Making a Difference with a Therapy Dog

Having a therapy dog and volunteering with hospitals, hospice, assisted living, nursing homes, libraries reading program and schools can be one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Think about how good it will feel for you and your therapy dog to be what makes an entire school full of children smile and laugh. Or how it feels to spend an afternoon with sick patients at the hospital, knowing that you were part of something that made their lives just a little bit brighter.

Whether you have a dog and are interested in making it a therapy dog is to fill out out our background form and return it to us via email or mail to get started on your and your dogs therapy dog journey.

Therapy Dogs & Comfort Dogs - What Are They?

Therapy dogs and comfort dogs play vital roles in enhancing emotional and physical well-being. Therapy dogs undergo specialized training to provide psychological and physiological support, engaging with individuals in various settings such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

Their presence fosters healing and comfort, and all donations received are dedicated to the education, training, and certification of these remarkable animals, ensuring that handlers incur no costs.

In contrast, comfort dogs, often referred to as emotional support dogs, are not specifically trained for therapeutic interventions but offer unwavering companionship and a soothing presence to their owners at home. While therapy dogs interact with a diverse range of people in public spaces, comfort dogs primarily focus on supporting their owners and do not possess the same access rights as service animals.