... it’s good to hear there’s a double benefit from a therapy dog (patients AND staff). I continue to pass the rest home every day and often remind myself of this goal. My dog is a “love magnet” who should be shared!

Hi Cheryl,

My understanding is there’s a short training program. Upon completion
of the program your dog is certified as a therapy dog. The point of
the therapy dog program in not to certify your dog for your care, but
for you and your dog to go into places like hospitals and nursing
homes to provide healing animal interaction.

The Delta Society seems to be the leading therapy dog program. Here’s
a link to therapy dog classes:
http://www.deltasociety.org/TextOnly/VolunteerAboutCalendar.htm

Perhaps you are looking to have your dog certified as an attendent, so
that you can take him/her with you into “no pets allowed” places? I
don’t know anything about that, although I imagine it would require a
more rigorous training program.

Hope this helps.

Jodene