--- title: "How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?" id: "202806" type: "post" slug: "how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal" published_at: "2020-09-23T12:14:28+00:00" modified_at: "2020-09-23T12:14:28+00:00" url: "https://houstonpetland.com/2020/09/23/how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal/" markdown_url: "https://houstonpetland.com/2020/09/23/how-do-i-certify-my-dog-as-a-therapy-animal.md" excerpt: "Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they assist us with a number of things from detecting cancer to helping comfort those with PTSD. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy canines and supports Canine Companions for Independence and Heartland Canines..." taxonomy_category: - "Community" --- [Home](https://houstonpetland.com/) / [Blog](https://houstonpetland.com/blog/) / **How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal?** [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) # How Do I Certify My Dog As a Therapy Animal? September 23, 2020 · 3 min read · [cosmick](https://houstonpetland.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=houstonpetland.com) Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they assist us with a number of things from detecting cancer to helping comfort those with PTSD. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy canines and supports Canine Companions for Independence and Heartland Canines for Veterans. Perhaps you believe your pup has what it takes to shoulder such a job, and you may be right! Here’s a few tips to help you get started. ### **What Does a Therapy Dog Do?** There are actually [three different classifications](https://therapydogs.org/news-articles/benefits-therapy-dogs/what-is-a-therapy-dog/) of therapy canines. They include… **Therapeutic Visitation Dogs:**These animals are used in facilities where the residents are on an extended stay. This could be a nursing home, a Veterans Affairs hospital, or mental health facility that doesn’t allow pets. **Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs:**These dogs often serve people who are already seeking psychiatric help or assistance due to a physical condition. They are usually required to perform a specific job for their handler. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/) **Facility Therapy Dogs:** These are typically considered to be “house dogs” and are used to help keep patients with degenerative brain diseases busy and productive. ### **Training & Observation** Therapy dogs are required to have a certain temperament, basic social skills are a must. In order for that to be possible, they should also be at an appropriate age. Before your pup can even take the test, they must be at least one year old. Now comes the real challenge, preparing for the observation. About four to eight weeks prior to your dog’s test, you’ll want to work with them on basic commands. If your pup struggles with commands like sit, drop it, or stay, start with those first. When you feel confident, set an appointment with a certified Therapy Animal facility. When satisfied with your pet’s behavior, the individual performing the test will allow them to advance to the final step. Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/) ### **Field Testing** Once your pet has passed the initial observation, it’s time to move on to the big league. During this portion of the exam, your dog will actually perform the required commands in a real work setting in a series of visits. This means that you must remain in complete control of the situation at all times. Your dog should not snap at strangers or become distracted by loud noises or quick motions. If they seem a bit overwhelmed during the first trial, don’t worry. Field tests are typically carried at least three to four times to give canines a fair shot at succeeding. After all, no one *wants* to see your dog fail! Especially considering the good that they can do if they succeed. When the first visit concludes, be sure to take note of areas needing improvement. Remain patient and provide your dog with lots of positive reinforcement so that they can do better on the next round. Keep in mind that **therapy animals are not quite the same as emotional support animals.**Anyone can go online and register their animal as an ESA, but therapy animals must *prove*it. Without the physical, in-person testing, there is no guarantee that the company you’ve signed up to certify your pet with is legitimate. Be sure to do your research and check for consumer reviews! 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Get ready because you’re not just taking home a bundle of furry joy.… March 27, 2025 ``` Petland Katy 434 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Genesis Gonzalez Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I went to Petland on Saturday to simply look at the puppies and we ended up falling in love with one so much that we brought her home with us. Jennifer made the process of taking her home super easy and smooth, she answered every question we asked and was very knowledgeable about everything! Posted on Google ume rubab Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. it was really nice their all the animal were so cute !! The puppy’s and kittens were adorable !!❤️ Posted on Google Leslie Rivera Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went to Petland to just browse around and ended up falling in love with our Maltipoo, her fur color and the eyes captivated me. Anthony our counselor, was very informative and friendly. I would greatly recommend this pet store. Can’t wait to start this new journey with our puppy. Posted on Google 12.xndrik Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. recently adopted a cavapool and Christopher helped us out a lot. He was helpfull, respectful , and walked us through the whole process. It was an amazing experience 10/10. Posted on Google Chris M Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best place to work PUPPIES!!!! Posted on Google MIGUEL MOLINA Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great time. I was looking around with my family and Chris helped us out found a new family member. Great place to greet and play with dogs. Posted on Google David Almanza Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We visited Petland today and had an incredible experience choosing our new furry family member — a miniature Goldendoodle! From the moment we walked in, Christopher made us feel welcome, informed, and supported throughout the entire process. He was extremely knowledgeable about the breed, answered all our questions with patience, and never made us feel rushed. You could genuinely tell he cared about both the pets and the people. His friendly attitude and professionalism made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. We left Petland not just with a puppy, but with total confidence that we were prepared for this new journey — all thanks to Christopher. If you're thinking about getting a pet and want a helpful, knowledgeable guide, ask for Christopher. He made our day. Highly recommend - 10/10! Posted on Google Diana Perez Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kalese and Chris were phenomenal and so attentive. They made me feel so welcome and so happy to be finally going home with our baby ```