Does your dog have a therapy dog temperament?

Being a therapy dog is not for every dog. We want dogs that will enjoy doing the job, not just be able to pass the test.
An ideal therapy dog should meet the following criteria:
  • The dog should love people and being pet (this includes men, woman, children, etc)
  • The dog must be tolerant of other dogs and never show aggression
  • The dog should be well socialized with new environments and noises
  • The dog should never show signs of aggression or extreme fear​

Dog Requirements

  • Dogs must be 1yr of age prior to the start of the Therapy Class 
  • Dog must have been owned by you for at least 6 months prior to starting therapy training
  • Dogs must be up to date on all core vaccines (Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Bordetella)
  • Dog must meet specific health qualifications

What is the process to become a certified therapy team?

  1. Dogs should be well socialized and have some basic obedience (we offer classes if needed)
  2. Dogs must have passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. Domesti-PUPS offers this class several times throughout the year for those that need to take it. (see the training link on our website if you need to take a class).
  3. Dog and handler must successfully complete the 8 week Domesti-PUPS pet therapy certification program, which includes the AKC Community Canine Test.
  4. Dog and handler must successfully complete two visitations per month over a 3-month period. 

Once a team is certified, they continue doing two visits each month (one visit per month for Edu-PUPS) to remain active in the group. Teams will visit specific facilities that we have relationships with (nursing homes, schools, hospitals, hospice, events). Teams are also expected to volunteer at events to promote the organization when possible. Reading-PUPS and Edu-PUPS both require an additional inservice after the certification course requirements have been met. ​​

If you are interested in the Edu-PUP program you must first go through the pet therapy certification course with your dog. 

If your dog already passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)