Therapy dogs are trained to accompany their owners on a variety of volunteer activities, including visiting hospital patients, long term care facilities, and school programs to provide a calming presence and emotional support to those in need. Some therapy dogs, with additional training, can also work to provide assistance to individuals following tragedy or trauma.

Becoming a therapy dog team is a rewarding process for everyone involved, and opens doors to a variety of activities that not only provide assistance to those in need, but can also bring health benefits to both the dog and the humans they visit! Studies have shown that visits from therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and increase endorphins and oxytocin in the patient. Research has also shown higher rates of oxytocin and endorphins in therapy dogs relative to non-therapy family dogs.

Therapy dog training seeks to prepare your dog for this field of work and for certification and registration with a reputable national organization. There are no breed requirements for therapy dogs, but many organizations require a dog to be over the age of one before certification. As therapy dogs are certified to enter areas from which other dogs are excluded, they must be well trained in basic obedience, remain under control around distractions, and maintain a calm demeanor around people of different ages, appearances, and abilities. If you have a calm and friendly pup in your life looking for a job, therapy work just may be the perfect choice!