Questions 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
About the visiting team
- Has the team been evaluated by a recognized therapy animal program? When?
- Does the team carry liability insurance, and can it share proof?
- Is the dog current on veterinary care and required vaccinations?
- What settings has the team visited before?
About the setting
- Which room or area will be used, and is it quiet and easy to clean?
- How many people are expected, and how will groups be managed?
- Who from our organization will be present the whole time?
- Are there areas the dog must not enter?
About the people
- Have participants or families been notified and offered an opt-out?
- Are there known allergies, fears, or medical restrictions?
- How will privacy be protected (for example, photography rules)?
About welfare and safety
- How long will the visit last, and when will the dog take breaks?
- Where can the dog rest and drink water?
- What happens if the dog or a participant becomes uncomfortable?
- What hand hygiene steps will be in place?
After the visit
Agree on how you will share feedback and decide on future visits. Revisiting these questions periodically helps keep visits safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Further reading from reputable sources
This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical, legal, or veterinary advice.