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Therapy Dogs are those that have been trained to a high standard to visit with individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from the therapeutic effects of interacting with a dog.  Therapy Dogs are typically handled by their owners and taken to locations such as nursing homes or hospitals to visit with patients.   School reading programs also employ Therapy Dogs to encourage children who are reluctant to read the chance to read to a dog that will not judge or criticize the child’s performance.   Therapy Dog handlers volunteer their time to enhance other people's lives.  Although the two terms are sometimes mistakenly interchanged, a Service Dog is one which has been trained specifically for a person with a disability to help mitigate symptoms of the owner's disability.  Therapy Dogs provide beneficial interactions for others.

There are a number of organizations in the USA that offer membership to dog-handler teams which have passed an evaluation required for certification.  Each organization has a different method of certifying its member teams.  Members enjoy the benefit of group liability insurance during official Therapy Dog visits.  Some, but not all, nursing homes and hospitals require Therapy Dog teams to be members of an official organization.   If you want to schedule visits with local facilities, begin by asking what they consider acceptable verification of you and your dog’s training and behavior. 

Attend a One Day Workshop.   If you have not already done so, we require teams to attend a Workshop for basic training, philosophy on handling and management of your dog.  If your dog has come through our Board/Train program, the requirement to attend a Workshop is waived.

Attend Therapy Dog training sessions.  Classes are held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM  (This accommodates handlers who would like to participate in the P.A.C.K. program and only have one evening / week for dog events).

 Purchase lesson cards to enroll.

Buy 6 lessons at a time for $45, 23 lessons for $150, or a full year of lessons for $200.  Each 6-lesson card has a 6 month expiration date, 23 & 46 lesson cards have a one year expiration date.  You may continue to attend lessons for as long as you find the training beneficial toward reaching your goals.

Work towards and acquire your AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate.  Tammie is an AKC CGC Evaluator and can perform the test when you are ready.  You decide when you are ready.  The Tests are scheduled a few times each year, and can be scheduled during the regular Therapy Dog class on Wednesday evening.  The AKC CGC is not required to earn a Therapy Dog certificate with most organizations.

Attend a supervised visit with your dog to an area Nursing Home, Hospital or School (reading program) with your dog.  One training date will be punched off your lesson card when you attend the visit.

Pursue membership in a Therapy Dog organization to acquire the member benefits of group liability insurance during your volunteer visits.  We recommend Therapy Dog Inc.    Following our process is not a requirement to gain membership / certification with a therapy dog organization.  Individuals should review the requirements of the organization when pursuing certification.   Tammie is a Tester / Observer for TDInc for those interested in becoming registered with that organization.

Volunteer to perform Therapy Dog work  Teams that have earned recognition through a Therapy Dog organization may participate in the Reading P.A.C.K. or other Therapy Dog visits arranged by Committed Canine.  You may also schedule your own visits at area nursing homes or hospitals.

Become a member of the Reading P.A.C.K.