While our site only provides registration for ESA's and Service Animals it is a good idea to know what a therapy dog is.
Therapy dogs have no access rights like Service Dogs or Emotional Support Animals have. They are strictly dogs that go to hospitals, nursing homes, etc...and cheer people up. We do not register therapy dogs and you should be very careful if you come across a website that says they will register your therapy dog. Therapy Dogs are certified for the support of others while Emotional Support Animals are prescribed for one handler. This is done at each individual hospital or care center you wish to volunteer at so please contact the center if you wish to make your dog a therapy dog. Remember, Therapy dogs are not protected under any ADA law and are not protected under the Air Carriers Act or Fair Housing Act.
Comments
4 comments
great info! I also want to have a therapy dog.
My father's eyesight has worsened recently and we want to find a therapy dog for him. Only I am afraid that we will not be able to care for the pet
Therapy Dogs are certainly very important to humans, but they are different from guide dogs. A guide dog is such a pet that helps a person to move as safely as possible outside the apartment or house. The main task of such a dog is, leading the owner along the road, to choose the safest trajectory and to warn about all obstacles on the way. Obstacles include concrete car restraints, fences, stairs, ledges or steps, low tree branches or low hanging wires, traffic lights, trenches, and so on. At these and any other obstacles, the dog stops and waits until its owner examines the object with the help of a white cane and understands what it is and how it can be avoided. And only after the person gives the command, the animal continues to move. By the way, my uncle has such a dog and recently we bought one of the best dog collars for this pet https://petonbed.com/best-dog-collars/ Just do not forget that in ordinary life the guide is an ordinary dog who loves the caress of the owner, games, walks, delicacies. However, during working hours - when the animal leads the owner - its behavior must meet strictly defined criteria.
Thanks for the clear comparison of ESA's Vs. Service Animals Vs. Therapy Dogs. Rather sad to see that they are not protected under
Is there a reason why these dogs are not protected but others are?
Can any breed be trained as therapy dogs? for example the rather stout but proud Shih Tzu Poodle mixes? or are there specific physical characteristics that would make other breeds more suitable?
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