THERAPY DOGS INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION
Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, retirement homes, hospices, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas, and also to people with autism. Therapy dogs work in animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapy, typically alongside their owner/handlers who consider them the canines to be their personal pets. Therapy dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, and they differ from service dogs in many regards.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
REQUIREMENTS
To belong to Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperament. Each dog must pass a TDI temperament evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog. The test will also include the evaluation of the dog’s behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).
