Join the Alliance of Therapy Dogs

How Do I Become a Therapy Dog Member?

Five Steps to Sharing Smiles & Joy

Check
1
Background Check
STEP 1
As a Volunteer organization, we care about our program and the quality of the individuals who help us. Effective January 1, 2018, a background check will be required for all prospective members prior to being tested. To begin your background check, click on the link below.
1
Background Check
Test
2
Download &
Complete Paperwork
STEP 2
Download, review and complete your paperwork (download from this page). Then find a volunteer Tester/Observer in your area to test you and your dog for free as soon as the T/O can accommodate you (you can search from this page). The test includes a handling portion which tests your dog’s basic good manners and your handling skills. You’ll need to bring the completed paperwork to the test.
2
Download &
Complete Paperwork
Pass
3
Find a Volunteer
Tester/Observer
STEP 3
After the handling portion of the test, you and your dog must interact with residents or strangers on three supervised visits. Your tester/observer will then sign off on your paperwork (download from this page) to show that you are ready to become a member of ATD.
3
Find a Volunteer
Tester/Observer
Send
4
Paperwork & Fee
STEP 4
After graduation, send us: (1) the original completed ATD Test, (2) the Member Application, (3) the Release of Claims Form, (4) your dog's proof of vet visit, negative fecal exam, and rabies vaccination, (5) the Rules Review, and (6) a one-time $20 new member fee and your annual fee of $35 that provides you with insurance coverage when you are volunteering with your dog.
4
Paperwork & Fee
Visit
5
Start Visits
STEP 5
After ATD accepts you as a member, you and your therapy dog are ready to share smiles & joy! To stay a member in good standing, you'll need to visit at least once every three months.
5
Start Visits

Background Check

Click the button below to begin your background check to become a member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Start Background Check

Download & Complete Paperwork

Click the button below to download our membership package that includes the ATD Member Application.

Download Membership Forms

Find a Volunteer Tester/Observer

Click the button below to visit our portal where you can see a list of Volunteer Testers/Observers closest to you.

Find a Volunteer Tester/Observer

Download Brochure

Click the button below to download our brochure that includes information about becoming a member of ATD.

Download Our Brochure

Why a Background Check?

As a Volunteer organization, we care about our program and the quality of the individuals who help us. ATD feels it is an important to assure we are bringing in members who are trustworthy. A background check provides the facilities we visit with a sense of comfort that our volunteers have been properly screened. Background checks prior to testing will also help to keep our insurance premiums low and thus, keep your yearly fees low. The cost for the background check is $20.00, which also allows you to share the results with other organizations. The first share with one other organization is free.

What Makes a Good Therapy Dog?

Sweet, Friendly & Gentle Dogs

How Old Must a Therapy Dog Be?

A therapy dog must be at least one-year-old.

What Type of Breed Makes a Good Therapy Dog?

Any dog of any breed or mix of breeds can be a therapy dog.

Does a Therapy Dog Have to Know Commands or Tricks?

A therapy dog doesn’t have to perform any tricks or know any special commands such as “fetch.” However, therapy dogs must listen to their handlers.

What Type of Temperament Should a Therapy Dog Have?

Therapy dogs need to have a calm and gentle disposition. They must be good around other dogs, calm when strangers pet them all over, not jump on others, walk on a leash without pulling, and not startled by things such as strange noises, smells, and medical equipment.

Does a Therapy Dog Need Good Health?

A therapy dog must be current on all vaccines required by the local laws, have a negative fecal test every 12 months, and be clean and well groomed for each visit.

Do Therapy Dogs Need a Special Diet?

No. ATD doesn’t restrict member’s choices regarding what they feed to their canine team partners.

Is a Therapy Dog a Service or Assistance Animal?

No. Therapy dogs don’t have the legal access rights that service or assistance dogs have. NOTE: If a member misrepresents that their therapy dog is a service or assistance dog, they’ve violated ATD’s Rules and Regulations and they’ve put their membership and the integrity of ATD at risk.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs - Sharing Smiles & Joy

Watch Our Test

The Alliance of Therapy Dogs Test

Our video shows exactly how to handle your dog to interact with others. You’ll see a variety of dogs doing the various sections of the test. As you can see, dogs don’t have to be perfect, but they can’t be shy, they can’t jump on others, and they can’t pull on their leash.

LEARN MORE

Want to Become a Volunteer Tester / Observer?

ALREADY A MEMBER? YOU CAN HELP NEW MEMBERS TOO!

Would you like to help others experience the satisfaction you feel when you take your dog on a pet therapy visit? If you do, then you have an opportunity to take the concept of “Sharing Smiles and Joy” to new heights by becoming Tester/Observer!

LEARN MORE

Want to Become a Supporting Member?

DON'T HAVE A DOG? YOU CAN STILL SUPPORT ATD!

Don’t have a dog but still want to become involved with ATD? Become a supporting member! The $20.00 fee per year you pay in support of ATD will entitle you to receive our award-winning bi-annual newsmagazine, a member handbook, and all member communications. Contact us to learn more.