--- title: "How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?" id: "234189" type: "post" slug: "how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal" published_at: "2020-09-23T12:14:28+00:00" modified_at: "2020-09-23T12:14:28+00:00" url: "https://www.petland-dalton.com/how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal/" markdown_url: "https://www.petland-dalton.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: - "Petland" --- [Home](https://www.petland-dalton.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/blog/) / [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) / **How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?** [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) # How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal? September 23, 2020 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petland-dalton.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petland-dalton.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.petland-dalton.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.petland-dalton.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=petland-dalton.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. [Browse all puppies](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/) - ![Golden Retriever - 22919, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792622_800.jpg) Many interested Petland Dalton ## [Female #22919](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22919/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Golden Retriever - 22918, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792621_800.jpg) Many interested Petland Dalton ## [Male #22918](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22918/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![French Bulldog - 22915, French Bulldog](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792624_800.jpg) Many interested Petland Dalton ## [Male #22915](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-22915/) ### [French Bulldog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Shih Tzu - 22912, Shih Tzu](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792613_800.jpg) Many interested Petland Dalton ## [Male #22912](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-22912/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![English Bulldog - 22910, English Bulldog](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792664_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22910](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/english-bulldog/english-bulldog-22910/) ### [English Bulldog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/english-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Dachshund - 22900, Dachshund](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790416_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22900](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-22900/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Miniature Hippo - 22901, Miniature Hippo](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790410_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22901](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-hippo/miniature-hippo-22901/) ### [Miniature Hippo](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-hippo/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Golden Retriever - 22897, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790413_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22897](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22897/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Bichon Frise - 22896, Bichon Frise](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790421_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22896](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/bichon-frise/bichon-frise-22896/) ### [Bichon Frise](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/bichon-frise/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Golden Retriever - 22894, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3780000/3787000/3787791_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22894](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22894/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Italian Greyhound - 22883, Italian Greyhound](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3780000/3785000/3785838_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22883](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/italian-greyhound/italian-greyhound-22883/) ### [Italian Greyhound](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/italian-greyhound/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Miniature Schnauzer - 22887, Miniature Schnauzer](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3780000/3785000/3785903_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22887](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/miniature-schnauzer-22887/) ### [Miniature Schnauzer](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://www.petland-dalton.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petland-dalton.com/blog/) - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petland-dalton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petcare](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petland-dalton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petland-dalton.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it's a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://www.petland-dalton.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) Fact: your dog is absolutely saying "I love you"… just not with words If you've ever fallen down a relationship rabbit hole,… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petland-dalton.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional decision. And if you’ve ever paused and thought, “Am I making the right ethical… January 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petland-dalton.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there's a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 ``` Petland Dalton 997 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Leahnna Queen Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gotten wonderful birds there that are hand tamed and raised by the management team They have a wonderful bird section in their store for toys and food. Pups are pricey, but I’ve gotten a couple there that have been SUPER! Wouldn’t trade them for the world. LOVE THEM 🥰 Posted on Google Mae Castoe Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love the place so much!!!!! I played with a cute dog and got to hold A ferret and hamsters and rabbits, and even a parakeet! It took one star off because me and my cousin were literally crying over not getting a hamster and dog!!! Posted on Google Naomi Woody Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Braelyn was amazing she went above and beyond when I called to check about a ferret, she was so amazing I drove almost 2 hours away just to purchase her. Great experience! Posted on Google David Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoy taking care of animals! The moment I walked in, everyone was SOO nice! All the dogs are precious, 🐶 and the people who work there are amazing. They always have such kind personalities, and the dogs are like little babies:) I love holding them! They’re all well cared for and the place is so clean and feels like home It’s very sanitized, and they provide hand sanitizer for you to use! It’s such a nice environment, and the hamsters, rabbits, and birds are adorable. The fish are really cool! And the dogs are all vaccinated <3 This has to be one of my favorite places! ❤️🫶🏻 ```