--- title: "How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?" id: "202806" 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.petlandsanantonio.com/2020/09/23/how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2020/09/23/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: - "Community" --- [Home](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/blog/) / [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) / **How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?** [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) # How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal? September 23, 2020 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandsanantonio.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.petlandsanantonio.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.petlandsanantonio.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=petlandsanantonio.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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My dad got my Malti-poo from this store 6yrs ago when I was a teen. We bought him at 3mo old! He was a happy puppy. My family requested to play with him in the little cubicles and we were delighted. He was a little pricey, but he had his papers, proper shots/vaccines, and had an underbite that made him adorable. He’s doing well even today! Never gotten injured or sick. He’s expected to live the normal expectancy of a malti-poo. I don’t remember much about the store or any changes since then, but I remember that the lady helping us was nice! Here is Marshmallow! Posted on Google Charles B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lots of dogs for adoption, well taken care of. Also have some birds, rabbits and a few sleepy ferrits. I stopped in for some feeder fish. Very nice staff. Posted on Google Joshua B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the exotic birds Posted on Google Melinda R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my 2nd time back. My daughter has been wanting another set of guinea pigs. I saw the most beautiful lionhead rabbit 🐇 about 7 weeks. LORENZO educated me on their demeanor, foods etc... I was there a good while, he showed no signs of rushing me, or pushing a sale. Answered all my questions and even educated me on ferrets as i asked lol he loves his job & wish all associates were like this everywhere! I was very pleased 😀 didn't grab the rabbit as my daughter took forever to answer me, but we're leaving for vacation and would not be cool to leave him alone . We will be back! And I will only ask for him! Thank you for the great customer service! ```