We are thrilled to announce the addition of Therapy Dog Certification to our comprehensive training programs for professionals in Animal-Assisted Therapy! This exciting development means that, in addition to becoming certified in animal-assisted therapies, you can now also certify your dog as a therapy dog (or cat, ferret, rabbit, etc.). With both certifications, you and your dog will form an exceptional team, offering unparalleled services to those in need. Together, you will provide comfort, support, and healing in a variety of settings, from hospitals to schools, making a profound impact on the lives of many. Get ready to take your passion for helping others to the next level with this unique and powerful combination of certifications.

While both therapy dogs and pets offer companionship and joy, the roles and training of a therapy dog significantly differ from those of a typical pet. Therapy dogs undergo specialized training to develop exceptional behavior, obedience, and temperament, enabling them to provide emotional support, comfort, and healing in various settings such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They must be calm, gentle, and responsive to commands, even in distracting or stressful environments, ensuring they can interact safely and effectively with people of all ages and conditions. On the other hand, pets primarily provide companionship and love within their homes and do not require the extensive training and socialization that therapy dogs do. While pets bring happiness and emotional support to their owners, therapy dogs are trained to extend these benefits to a broader community, making them invaluable in therapeutic and institutional contexts.

Upon your dog's successful certification, you will receive a special package to celebrate this achievement. This package includes a stylish therapy dog bandana, which your dog can proudly wear during therapy sessions. You will also receive 50 personalized therapy dog business cards featuring your dog's picture, perfect for sharing contact information and promoting your services. Additionally, you will receive a formal paper certificate, commemorating your dog's successful completion of the certification process. This certificate serves as an official testament to your dog’s readiness to provide exceptional therapeutic support in various settings.

Once your dog is certified as a Therapy Dog, you'll have the opportunity to further personalize your therapy dog gear. You can purchase additional bandanas in your choice of colors, allowing you to match your dog's bandana to different occasions or simply to express your style. Additionally, you can order more bundles of 50 therapy dog business cards, ensuring you always have a supply on hand to share your contact information and promote your valuable services. These customizable options enable you to maintain a professional and cohesive appearance while proudly showcasing your certified therapy dog.

To keep your Therapy Dog’s certification active, a yearly renewal fee of $75 is required. This renewal process includes submitting proof of recent veterinary check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations, as well as providing evidence of professional insurance that covers animal-assisted therapy. This ensures that your therapy dog remains in peak health and that you are properly insured for your services. Upon successful renewal, both you and your dog will be listed on a publicly accessible directory of certified therapy teams, featuring only those with current certifications and active insurance. This not only demonstrates your ongoing commitment to high standards but also reassures institutions and clients of your professionalism and readiness to provide exceptional therapy services.

The certification process begins with an initial assessment where you will need to provide electronic veterinary documentation at the time of registration. This step includes a $150 fee payable at the time of booking. The initial assessment can be conducted in person or via Zoom if you are located more than 1000 kilometers away from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Extra charges may be required for Zoom Assessments due to the complexity of assessments of this nature. Additional help may need to be hired to assist in the assessment. The second step involves paying for the Therapy Dog Certification Test, which costs $200 and typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Upon successfully passing both the initial assessment and the certification test, you will then pay the final Certification Fee of $300 to receive your official certification. This structured process ensures that both you and your Therapy Dog are thoroughly prepared and qualified for the important role you will play in providing therapeutic support.

To ensure the highest standards of Therapy Dogs, your dog must be at least 1.5 years old, and you must have owned the dog for at least a year and a half prior to entering the certification process. This requirement is crucial because it allows your dog ample time to mature emotionally and behaviorally, demonstrating stability and reliability. Additionally, a longer ownership period provides you with valuable insight into your dog’s cues and behaviors, strengthening your ability to respond effectively and manage their needs. This extended time together ensures a strong bond and mutual understanding, which are essential for effective teamwork and consistent performance during therapy sessions. This experience and relationship are key to ensuring your dog’s suitability and effectiveness in providing therapeutic support.