--- title: "How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?" id: "199720" type: "post" slug: "how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal" published_at: "2020-09-23T12:14:28+00:00" modified_at: "2026-02-27T19:06:55+00:00" url: "https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal.md" excerpt: "Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they assist us with a number of things from detecting cancer to helping comfort those with PTSD. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy canines and supports Canine Companions for Independence and Heartland Canines..." taxonomy_category: - "Tips & Tricks" --- [Home](https://www.petlanddayton.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/blog/) / [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) / **How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?** [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) # How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal? September 23, 2020 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petlanddayton.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlanddayton.com) Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they assist us with a number of things from detecting cancer to helping comfort those with PTSD. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy canines and supports Canine Companions for Independence and Heartland Canines for Veterans. Perhaps you believe your pup has what it takes to shoulder such a job, and you may be right! Here’s a few tips to help you get started. ### **What Does a Therapy Dog Do?** There are actually [three different classifications](https://therapydogs.org/news-articles/benefits-therapy-dogs/what-is-a-therapy-dog/) of therapy canines. They include… **Therapeutic Visitation Dogs:**These animals are used in facilities where the residents are on an extended stay. This could be a nursing home, a Veterans Affairs hospital, or mental health facility that doesn’t allow pets. **Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs:**These dogs often serve people who are already seeking psychiatric help or assistance due to a physical condition. They are usually required to perform a specific job for their handler. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/) **Facility Therapy Dogs:** These are typically considered to be “house dogs” and are used to help keep patients with degenerative brain diseases busy and productive. ### **Training & Observation** Therapy dogs are required to have a certain temperament, basic social skills are a must. In order for that to be possible, they should also be at an appropriate age. Before your pup can even take the test, they must be at least one year old. Now comes the real challenge, preparing for the observation. About four to eight weeks prior to your dog’s test, you’ll want to work with them on basic commands. If your pup struggles with commands like sit, drop it, or stay, start with those first. When you feel confident, set an appointment with a certified Therapy Animal facility. When satisfied with your pet’s behavior, the individual performing the test will allow them to advance to the final step. Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/) ### **Field Testing** Once your pet has passed the initial observation, it’s time to move on to the big league. During this portion of the exam, your dog will actually perform the required commands in a real work setting in a series of visits. This means that you must remain in complete control of the situation at all times. Your dog should not snap at strangers or become distracted by loud noises or quick motions. If they seem a bit overwhelmed during the first trial, don’t worry. Field tests are typically carried at least three to four times to give canines a fair shot at succeeding. After all, no one *wants* to see your dog fail! Especially considering the good that they can do if they succeed. When the first visit concludes, be sure to take note of areas needing improvement. Remain patient and provide your dog with lots of positive reinforcement so that they can do better on the next round. Keep in mind that **therapy animals are not quite the same as emotional support animals.**Anyone can go online and register their animal as an ESA, but therapy animals must *prove*it. Without the physical, in-person testing, there is no guarantee that the company you’ve signed up to certify your pet with is legitimate. Be sure to do your research and check for consumer reviews! [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlanddayton.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. 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Petland threw in a free ferret kit if we got the third one. I liked their financing plans they had as well it’s an easy way to bump my credit. So far Matcha, Mocha, and Lottie are loving their home. They love playing with the dogs and I love their silly personalities. I only wish they came potty trained, they didn’t have a specific area for them to pee or poop In so potty training has been a little difficult for the two older girls, only reason why I’m doing 4 stars instead of 5. But we are very happy with our girls and the free ferret kit ended up helping us a lot more than we expected 🫶🏻 thank you to whoever said it was okay to throw it in. It’s also a very specious pet land compared to the one next to my job, we will probably be back. Posted on Google Daniel a Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got some tiger barbs from there, and they looked great. Good color, good shape. Morgan helped me out with them and she was fantastic! Excellent customer service. I'll be back! Posted on Google Kim P Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and helpful Posted on Google Mike z Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have the dog food we use. We moved from another state and had to find a store that had our dog food we've been using. Posted on Google ONE C Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice layout very cute puppies customer service is spectacular they go above and beyond Posted on Google Edward L Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Place was kept very clean but the person who took care of me didn't have knowledge of the Birds that I bought Posted on Google Margaret B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved spending time with the puppies, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. ```