Therapy Dog Information
Click below to get vital information about Therapy Dogs and serving your community. If you have questions please use this page as a resource to get answers. Check back often as we are continually adding more info as we grow with you.
Overview of Therapy Dogs
A therapy dog is defined as a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, people with learning difficulties, and stressful situations, such as disaster areas. The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. The role of therapy dogs is to react and respond to people and their environment, under the guidance and direction of their owner. Therapy dogs can also be used as part of animal assisted therapy. This aims to improve a person’s social, cognitive and emotional functioning.
Types of Therapy Dogs
Research shows therapy dogs can reduce stress physiologically (cortisol levels) and increase attachment responses that trigger oxytocin – a hormone that increases trust in humans. Dogs also react positively to animal-assisted activities. Any and all breeds can serve the public as a Therapy Dog. Training and certification varies — Any dog that can be controlled, calm and responsive to their owner are excellent candidates. From Chihuahua to Great Dane and every friendly, loving dog in between.
Medical science shows that interaction with a therapy dog can reduce blood pressure; promote physical healing; reduce anxiety, fatigue and depression; and provide emotional support. Register now and start making a REAL difference.
The Process To You Make Your Dog A Therapy Dog
The process to train and register your dog to support those in need is actually quite simple. Official Service Dogs have strict guidelines, training requirements and documentation. ESA (Emotional Support Animals) also must meet certain criteria to be certified. Therapy Dogs, however, have an easier, less complicated path to helping their community. We make the process simple by asking the easy, but important questions about your Dog’s ability to interact with people, their general demeanor and your ability to make visits to those who request your service. To see how simple it can be, click or tap the Register Your Dog button and get started Now!
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 […]