What therapy dogs are
A therapy dog is a pet dog who, together with a trained handler, visits people by invitation to provide friendly interaction and comfort. Therapy dogs serve many people rather than one individual, and they are not service animals.
How therapy dog visits typically work
Visits are arranged in advance with a host such as a library, school, or care community. The host chooses the space and sets the rules; the handler stays with the dog throughout and watches for stress. People choose whether to interact, and visits are usually kept to about an hour or less.
Read more: How Therapy Dog Visits Work in Community Settings.
Potential benefits and limitations
Some studies suggest time with friendly animals may be associated with comfort, reduced feelings of stress, and greater social engagement for some people. Evidence is still developing, and experiences vary.
- Therapy dog visits are not medical or mental health treatment, and they do not cure any condition.
- Some people are allergic, fearful, or uninterested — their choice must be respected.
- Some settings or individuals may need to avoid animal contact for health reasons.
Temperament, training, handler responsibility, and animal welfare
Good therapy dogs enjoy meeting strangers, stay calm in new places, and accept gentle handling. Reliable obedience is essential. Handlers are responsible for the dog's behavior and well-being, follow every facility rule, and end visits early if the dog shows stress.
Read more: Training, Temperament, and Handler Responsibilities and Animal Welfare and Safety.
Appropriate settings for visits
Common settings include libraries, schools, universities, senior living communities, and healthcare facilities that have animal-visit policies. Suitable spaces are quiet, clean, accessible, and give the dog room to move away. Crowded, loud, or chaotic environments are generally not a good fit.
How therapy dogs differ from service animals and emotional support animals
- Service dogs perform trained tasks for a person with a disability and have public access rights under the ADA.
- Therapy dogs visit many people by invitation and have no special public access rights.
- Emotional support animals comfort their owner and are not service animals under the ADA.
Read more: Therapy Dogs vs. Service Dogs.
How organizations can evaluate therapy dog visit opportunities
- Define the purpose of the visit.
- Review your policies on animals, volunteers, insurance, and infection control.
- Confirm the team's evaluation, insurance, and health records.
- Plan the space, schedule, communication, and an opt-out alternative.
- Start with a short pilot and review together.
Use our checklist of questions, or contact the organization with questions.