Frequently Asked Questions
We created Therapy Dogs Inc to help serve the world-wide community of dog owners, handlers and people in need. We strive to make Getting Started as easy as possible. Trust is a big part of any decision to devote your time to serving others — If you have questions, check below to see if we have the info you need to begin your and your pooch’s journey to supporting those who can benefit from your care.
View Our 25 Page Therapy Dog Guide Click Here
What Breeds Can Be Therapy Dogs?
Any breed can be a Therapy Dog. You are the best judge of your pet and how they interact with the public, however, some large dogs and breeds like Pitbulls can be intimidating and would likely be less in demand. The most important thing is having a dog that loves people, has a calm demeanor and responds to your commands.
Do I Have To Be Part Of An Organization?
No. Organizations are optional, you do NOT have to belong to one. Because many existing organizations have strict rules about how you utilize your Therapy Dog they can sometimes discourage owners from enjoying the process. We want you to benefit from the care and support you give to your community. That being said, if you DO belong to an organization that you like, we are happy to have you as a registered member.
Am I Limited Where Can I Take My Therapy Dog?
No. Ultimately, the only limit to where you can be accompany your dog is by the established owner, manager, or rules which would refuse to allow your dog onto a property. For the most part, Therapy Dogs enjoy the perks of doing an important duty in serving the public — so many times special allowances are made beyond standard “pets”.
Am I allowed to take payment or donations for my Therapy Dog?
Yes. Many organizations won’t allow you to accept donations directly or at all. The love and service you and your dog provide is not always easy. We have created a online format that will allow you to accept donations or payments directly to an online account. We appreciate the care provide for your dog … we want you to decide what works best for the both of you.
What kind of support do you offer if I register?
⇒ In addition to being placed on one of the world’s fastest growing registries, you will get:
⇒ High-Quality Personalized Photo I.D. Card and Mobile I.D. Access.
⇒ Access to our Online Dashboard where you can connect and schedule Therapy Dog visits.
⇒ Access our TDA messaging and email apps
⇒ Advice, Tips and Connections from our growing online community
⇒ Information and News feeds about all things Therapy Dog related
⇒ and Much More!
Recent News
Students Get Therapy Dog
When middle school students return to class on Jan. 11, they’ll find a new face at the door: Daisy. Daisy is a therapy dog and the personal pet of Rob Kreger, principal of the Rock L. Butler Middle School. The five-year-old golden retriever is not a school pet or mascot, but rather a working dog […]
Therapy Dogtor
Last March, Caroline Benzel, a third-year medical student, began to notice the stress and discomfort her nurse friends were feeling from the pressures of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “[Personal protective equipment] can be really rough on the skin,” Benzel, 31, tells PEOPLE. Benzel and her 3-year-old Rottweiler, Loki (who’s also a therapy dog) hatched a […]
Therapy Dog Pups
When Stanley the miniature fox terrier’s owner passed away, the little dog started a ‘paw-some’ new role – bringing puppy love to some of the Gold Coast’s oldest residents. After Carinity Cedarbrook Diversional Therapist Julianne Staff adopted Stanley, he began visiting the aged care community at Mudgeeraba as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs help to […]
Therapy Dogs At School
Those who own a dog can attest to their ability to lift mood, improve stress and bring joy by simply being there, unanswering, seemingly all-knowing and always delighted to see you. Therapy animals are known for their calm and comforting nature, giving people a way to relax, de-stress and interact with a loving pet. They […]
Wonder Dog
For those of us with dogs, we know they quickly become major parts of the family. You live for and care for just like one of your own children, and one dog right here in Oklahoma City is beating the odds, and helping others recover as a therapy dog, despite all of the issues he’s […]
Scott And Charlie
Cherokee Middle School students may do a little more “doodling” second semester starting this month (January), but also will improve their attendance marks because of a special attraction at the school, courtesy of Principal Scott Aden. Aden, an effective, caring administrator, has acquired and will house and handle a young female Golden Doodle (Charlie) that […]
Hope For Veterans
E5 Therapy opened in April with a different way to help veterans in therapy. They offer canine-assisted therapy along with talk therapy to veterans and veterans’ families in Solano County. Owner Matthew Decker is a licensed clinical social worker in Northern California, focused on helping veterans achieve their mental health goals. Along with his team, […]
Recent News
Students Get Therapy Dog
When middle school students return to class on Jan. 11, they’ll find a new face at the door: Daisy. Daisy is a therapy dog and the personal pet of Rob Kreger, principal of the Rock L. Butler Middle School. The five-year-old golden retriever is not a school pet or mascot, but rather a working dog […]
Therapy Dogtor
Last March, Caroline Benzel, a third-year medical student, began to notice the stress and discomfort her nurse friends were feeling from the pressures of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “[Personal protective equipment] can be really rough on the skin,” Benzel, 31, tells PEOPLE. Benzel and her 3-year-old Rottweiler, Loki (who’s also a therapy dog) hatched a […]
Therapy Dog Pups
When Stanley the miniature fox terrier’s owner passed away, the little dog started a ‘paw-some’ new role – bringing puppy love to some of the Gold Coast’s oldest residents. After Carinity Cedarbrook Diversional Therapist Julianne Staff adopted Stanley, he began visiting the aged care community at Mudgeeraba as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs help to […]
Therapy Dogs At School
Those who own a dog can attest to their ability to lift mood, improve stress and bring joy by simply being there, unanswering, seemingly all-knowing and always delighted to see you. Therapy animals are known for their calm and comforting nature, giving people a way to relax, de-stress and interact with a loving pet. They […]
Wonder Dog
For those of us with dogs, we know they quickly become major parts of the family. You live for and care for just like one of your own children, and one dog right here in Oklahoma City is beating the odds, and helping others recover as a therapy dog, despite all of the issues he’s […]
Scott And Charlie
Cherokee Middle School students may do a little more “doodling” second semester starting this month (January), but also will improve their attendance marks because of a special attraction at the school, courtesy of Principal Scott Aden. Aden, an effective, caring administrator, has acquired and will house and handle a young female Golden Doodle (Charlie) that […]