Animal Welfare and Safety During Therapy Dog Visits

Welfare is not optional

A good therapy visit is good for the dog, too. Dogs that are stressed or overworked are less safe and less happy. Protecting animal welfare is a core responsibility of every handler and every hosting organization.

Common stress signals

Dogs communicate discomfort through body language. Handlers should watch for:

• Yawning, lip licking, or panting when not hot
• Turning the head away or avoiding eye contact
• Tucked tail, lowered ears, or a crouched posture
• Showing the whites of the eyes
• Trying to move away, hide behind the handler, or leave

Practical safeguards

• Keep visits short and offer breaks with water
• Give the dog space to retreat
• Limit the number of people touching the dog at once
• Avoid feeding the dog during visits unless the handler allows it
• End the visit early if the dog shows sustained stress

Protecting people

Hand hygiene before and after contact, respect for allergies and fears, and clear greeting rules help keep everyone safe. Facilities should share relevant policies and the handler should follow them precisely.

Retirement

As dogs age, their energy and tolerance can change. Recognizing when a dog is ready to retire from visiting is an important act of care.

Further reading from reputable sources

• American Veterinary Medical Association — Animal-assisted interventions
• CDC — Healthy Pets, Healthy People