A therapy dog is a trained pet that volunteers with its owner to provide comfort and support to a variety of people in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, differing from a service dog, which is individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Therapy dogs do not have special public access rights and can only enter public places where such programs are permitted. Their key qualities include a friendly, well-behaved, and sociable nature, and a calm demeanor around strangers, distractions, and in crowded environments. Training is critical!

We do not have a specific therapy dog class, however completion of the three levels of CGC classes will be the best preparation for the therapy dog test. If you haven’t already taken our beginners class, you will need to start there as it is a prerequisite for the CGC class. (CGC is a prerequisite for the CGCA and CGCA is a prerequisite for CGCU).

Independent Evaluation and Certification
The DMOTC offers its facility and advertises the testing as a public service. Testing is done by independent, certified evaluators. Tests will be announced on the website.

2026 Therapy Dog Testing Schedule
September 27 4:00PM – Preregistration for TDI testing is REQUIRED and space is limited. To register for a scheduled test or ask questions about Therapy Dog testing, contact DMOTC Therapy Dog Coordinator, Lori Martindale at [email protected].

BRING PROOF of current DHLP/Parvo vaccinations, and current rabies certificate.

NOTE: Test is limited to 15 dogs