What is the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs?

Therapy dogs provide comfort to others in facilities and community settings. Service dogs perform specific tasks for a person with a disability and have legal public access rights that therapy dogs do not. See our full comparison of service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals .

Do therapy dogs need to be certified?

No. There is no legal certification for therapy dogs. Facilities require registration with an organization such The Dog Alliance, Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs, which includes an evaluation, vaccination records, and liability insurance.

Does insurance cover therapy dog training?

No. Therapy dog training is a volunteer pursuit rather than a medical necessity, so it is not covered by health insurance. Registration organizations do provide liability coverage for visits, which is included in the registration fee.

How much does therapy dog registration cost?

Registration runs $100 to $300 depending on the organization, and most require renewal every one to two years.

What breeds make good therapy dogs?

Any breed can do therapy work. Temperament matters far more than breed. Evaluators look for a dog that stays calm around strangers, tolerates handling, ignores dropped food and medical equipment, and recovers quickly from startling noises.