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Resources and articles
What Is a Therapy Dog? A Guide for Beginners
A plain-language introduction to therapy dogs: what they do, who handles them, and what makes a dog suited to this kind of volunteer work.
6 min readTherapy Dogs vs. Service Dogs: Understanding the Difference
Therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals have different roles and different legal standing. Here is a clear comparison.
7 min readHow Therapy Dog Visits Work in Community Settings
From scheduling to saying goodbye, here is what typically happens before, during, and after a therapy dog visit in a library, school, or care community.
6 min readPreparing Children for a Positive Therapy Dog Interaction
Practical tips for parents, teachers, and librarians to help children meet a therapy dog safely, respectfully, and with confidence.
5 min readTherapy Dogs in Schools: Considerations for Safe Visits
Key questions schools should consider before welcoming therapy dog teams, including policies, allergies, supervision, and student choice.
6 min readTherapy Dogs in Healthcare Settings: Benefits and Limitations
A balanced look at therapy dog visits in hospitals and care communities, including potential benefits, limitations, and infection-control considerations.
7 min readTherapy Dog Training, Temperament, and Handler Responsibilities
What makes a dog-and-handler team ready for therapy visits: temperament, foundational skills, health, and the handler's ongoing responsibilities.
7 min readAnimal Welfare and Safety During Therapy Dog Visits
How handlers and facilities can protect the well-being of therapy dogs and the people they visit, including recognizing stress signals.
6 min readHow Community Organizations Can Explore Therapy Dog Visits
A step-by-step guide for libraries, schools, care communities, and nonprofits considering therapy dog visits for the people they serve.
6 min readQuestions to Ask Before Organizing a Therapy Dog Visit
A practical checklist of questions for organizations and visiting teams to discuss before scheduling a therapy dog visit.
5 min read