Confirm your dog has the right temperament, is calm, friendly, and comfortable around strangers

Make sure your dog is healthy, vaccinated, and up to date on veterinary care

Teach basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, leave it, and loose-leash walking

Expose your dog to different environments, people, sounds, and situations to build confidence

Enroll in a therapy dog training class or work with a qualified trainer if needed

Complete any required therapy dog evaluation or temperament test

Join a recognized therapy dog organization that certifies therapy dog teams

Submit the required application, fees, and proof of vaccinations or health records

Pass the organization’s assessment for behavior, obedience, and public manners

Complete any required handler training or orientation

Receive your therapy dog certification or registration from the organization

Follow the organization’s rules for visits, identification, and ongoing re-evaluation

Keep your dog’s vaccinations, health checks, and training current

Register with facilities or programs only after meeting their specific therapy dog requirements