Therapy dogs are dogs that are trained to provide comfort to people in different institutions. These dogs provide comfort and joy to the people who are dealing with stress or trauma. Usually, they provide their services in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and even disaster relief areas.
Remember, therapy dogs are different from service dogs. Therapy dogs do not provide support to physically disabled patients. Instead, they are useful in providing emotional support and relief.
In this article, we will guide you on how to meet therapy dog training requirements in 2025. We will provide complete guidance from registration to certification requirements.
What Are Therapy Dog Training Requirements in 2025?
You should know the recent training requirements before registering your dog in any training program. These requirements are designed to assess obedience, behavior, temperament, and readiness for public interaction.
Although therapy dog training requirements vary from program or institute you choose for training. Some basic training requirements in 2025 are as follows:
Basic Obedience Skills
A dog should have basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, down, come, and heel after completing the training session.
Public Manners
The therapy dog should have public manners. For example, he should be calm and controlled in public places.
Stable Temperament
The requirement is that the dog should have a stable temperament. It means that it should be friendly and non-aggressive.
Social Skills
A dog should develop social skills such as providing comfort to people of all ages. They should also be calm around wheelchairs and medical equipment in hospitals.
A therapy dog should be able to act properly and calmly in different environments. That is why you should give training practice in different situations.
Therapy Dog Test Requirements
After training, when owners want to send their therapy dogs to the required places, these places need a test. The test shows the behavior, skill, and attitude of the dogs at that place. National Therapy Dog Organizations set the therapy dog test requirements.
Some of these requirements are:
Accepting Friendly Strangers
The dog should meet with strangers with friendly behavior. Whenever strangers touch and look at them, they should be calm and peaceful instead of stressed and fearful. They should also get comfortable with strangers instantly.
Sitting Politely for Petting
When strangers pet them with love, they do not get stressed or fearful, but they should show signs of love to them.
Walking Through a Crowd
In the therapy dog test requirement, it is included that the dog should be calm and feel safe when passing through a crowd.
Reaction to Distractions
They should not show an intense reaction whenever they find a distraction. It means that a dog should be calm when encountering loud noises, sudden movements, or medical equipment like wheelchairs or crutches.
Supervised Separation
In this test, dogs are tested on their ability to stay calm when they are separated from their owners and trainers.
Remember, in this test, handlers or owners are also tested on the basics of their communication, control, and bond with their dogs.
Steps to Meet the Requirements
As we discussed above, therapy dog training requirements differ from program to program. But you should know the complete criteria that a therapy dog should fulfil.
Some basic steps to fulfil the training requirements are as follows:
Begin Basic Obedience Training
Start with the basic obedience training, including sit, stay, come, leave, and heel commands. For personalized support tailored to therapy dog standards, consider enrolling in our private training programs. Usually, therapy dogs learn and follow these commands easily and quickly. You should use a positive reinforcement technique to train your dog. This technique includes rewarding him with a gift or treat when he follows your instructions.
Choose a Recognized Therapy Dog Program
No doubt, you can teach because of commands, but you cannot address behavior issues effectively. That is why you should hire a trainer from a recognized therapy dog program. Some major organizations that certify therapy dogs in 2025 are:
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs
- Pet Partners
- Therapy Dogs International (TDI)
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Therapy Dog Program
Prepare for and Pass the Therapy Dog Evaluation
Now, prepare your dog for the test and pass it for evaluation. Some preparation tips that can help you are as follows:
- Enroll the dog in group classes or hire a professional trainer experienced in therapy dog training.
- Practice in different kinds of environments like parks, malls, or libraries. In this way, you can access his attitude in different circumstances.
- Encounter your dog with wheelchairs, loud sounds, and strangers safely and gradually.
How to Register a Dog as a Therapy Dog?
Has your dog finished therapy dog training? Now, you can send your dog for the welfare of mankind, such as in mental healthcare, hospitals, and old homes. Maybe you do not know how to register a dog as a therapy dog.
A step-by-step guide for registering a dog as a therapy dog is as follows:
- Firstly, give the basic obedience training and specialized therapy training to your dog.
- Take your dog to pass the evaluation test.
- After passing the test, you can apply for the certificate of completion and the passing therapy program.
- After approval, you can get an official therapy dog certificate, a handler ID, and a therapy dog permit. It depends on the institute you choose for the training and what they give.
After the whole journey, now, your dog is eligible to join volunteer visit rosters for hospitals, schools, and assisted living facilities. Remember, private organizations handle the therapy dog registration, not government agencies.
Therapy Dog Permit and Legal Considerations
In therapy dog training requirements, you should keep in mind some legal considerations. Otherwise, your dog can be rejected, or the certificate can expire. Therapy dogs do not have the same legal rights as service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Some therapy dog permit requirements and legal considerations are as follows:
- These dogs can only access locations that provide permission (such as schools or hospitals that keep therapy programs)
- They do not have unrestricted public access
- They must be invited or pre-approved before entering the facilities
Dog and Handler Requirements
The bond between a dog and its handler matters a lot. Training tests also keep a section for the evaluation of this bond. Therapy dog training requirements also include these dog and owner requirements:
The handler should:
- Pass a background check on the pet
- Demonstrate safe handling techniques
- Keep the dog under control
- Show empathy, patience, and professionalism during visits
The dog should:
- Be well-groomed and healthy
- Maintain a calm and friendly demeanor
- Participate in ongoing training as required by the organization
Recommended Training Timeline
How long take a dog to be a therapy dog? It is a common question asked by owners who send their pets to training centers.
- Basic Obedience: 8–12 weeks
- Socialization and Environmental Exposure: Vary according to the behavior of the dog
- Therapy Dog Prep and Evaluation Training: 4–6 additional weeks (or more, depending on the dog)
Additional Certifications to Consider
If you want to enhance your dog’s credentials, you can pursue different programs:
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC): Offered by the AKC, this foundational certification is often a prerequisite for therapy programs.
- AKC Therapy Dog Titles: Such as THD (Therapy Dog), THDA (Therapy Dog Advanced), or THDX (Therapy Dog Excellent), awarded based on the number of documented visits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, meeting therapy dog training requirements in 2025 is a rewarding but disciplined journey. From mastering basic obedience to passing formal evaluations and volunteering in public settings, therapy dogs and their handlers play a powerful role in healing and emotional support across a range of environments.
As you begin or continue your therapy dog training journey, remember that certification isn’t the end goal—it’s the beginning of a meaningful path that brings joy, calm, and connection to those who need it most. At Prestige Dog Training, we specialize in preparing dogs and their handlers for every step of this journey. With personalized training programs, experienced professionals, and a passion for creating compassionate canine companions, we’re here to help you meet the highest therapy dog standards in 2025 and beyond.
