Looking to brighten someone's day? Our certified therapy dogs bring comfort, smiles, and stress relief to schools, hospitals, businesses, and more.
Therapy Dog Training
We offer a comprehensive, step-by-step path to becoming a certified therapy dog team, recognized by institutions, hospitals, schools, and corporations. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, bring joy to those in need, or participate in wellness programs at events, our training prepares you and your dog for meaningful impact.
Therapy dogs change lives—in classrooms, hospital rooms, retirement homes, and even workplaces. Our certified and insured therapy dog training program gives you and your dog the skills, structure, and support to make a meaningful impact wherever compassion is needed.
Fully insured for volunteer visits and community placements
Certified program with nationally recognized training standards
Led by professional handlers and experienced evaluators
Trusted in schools, hospitals, retirement communities, and wellness-focused organizations
Structured, step-by-step path to becoming a certified therapy dog team
Real-world opportunities to serve through scheduled visits and events
19+
Years of Experience in Therapy Dog Training
500+
Certified Therapy Dog Teams Trained
99,000+
Volunteer Hours Contributed
1,500+
Therapy Dog Visits Conducted Annually
200+
Locations Served Every Year
Therapy Dog Training Process
STEP 1
Build Essential Skills for Therapy Dog Training
Start your therapy dog training journey by teaching your dog key obedience skills—sit, stay, come, and leash walking. Therapy dogs must also enjoy social interactions and remain calm around people and other pets.
Before your dog can participate in the Therapy Dog Evaluation, there are a few required steps to complete. These prerequisites help make sure your dog enjoys human contact, stays calm in new places, and can focus on you around other people and dogs.
STEP 4
Pass the Final Therapy Dog Team Evaluation
Once your training is complete, you’ll take the official evaluation. Teams are re-tested every three years to maintain quality. Upon passing, you’ll join our certified therapy dog community with full support.
Start your therapy dog training journey by teaching your dog key obedience skills—sit, stay, come, and leash walking. Therapy dogs must also enjoy social interactions and remain calm around people and other pets.
Before your dog can participate in the Therapy Dog Evaluation, there are a few required steps to complete. These prerequisites help make sure your dog enjoys human contact, stays calm in new places, and can focus on you around other people and dogs.
STEP 4
Pass the Final Therapy Dog Team Evaluation
Once your training is complete, you’ll take the official evaluation. Teams are re-tested every three years to maintain quality. Upon passing, you’ll join our certified therapy dog community with full support.
Choose the Therapy Dog Training Path That Fits Your Goals
Every team’s goals are different. Some people want training only. Some want to volunteer through Dog Alliance. Others plan to volunteer independently or through another organization. These options help you choose the best fit.
Train Only
Completion TIme: ~4 Months
No Insurance
No Evaluation
1. AKC Canine Good Citizen 2. AKC Canine Good Citizen–Community 3. Therapy Dog and Handler Class
Training: $745 one-time training cost
Team Member
Completion TIme: ~4 Months
Insurance
Evaluation
Coordinated Visits
.1. AKC Canine Good Citizen 2. AKC Canine Good Citizen–Community 3. Therapy Dog and Handler Class 4. Dog Alliance Therapy Dog & Handler Evaluation 5. Member onboarding 6. Annual membership and good standing requirements
Training: $745 one-time training cost Evaluation: $90 every 3 years Membership: $400 annually or 20 approved volunteer hours each year
Independent Team
Completion TIme: ~4 Months
Evaluation every 3 years
.1. AKC Canine Good Citizen 2. AKC Canine Good Citizen–Community 3. Therapy Dog and Handler Class 4. Dog Alliance Therapy Dog & Handler Evaluation
Training: $745 one-time training cost Evaluation: $90 every 3 years
Train Only
Completion TIme: ~4 Months
No Insurance
No Evaluation
1. AKC Canine Good Citizen 2. AKC Canine Good Citizen–Community 3. Therapy Dog and Handler Class
Training: $745 one-time training cost
Team Member
Completion TIme: ~4 Months
Insurance
Evaluation
Coordinated Visits
.1. AKC Canine Good Citizen 2. AKC Canine Good Citizen–Community 3. Therapy Dog and Handler Class 4. Dog Alliance Therapy Dog & Handler Evaluation 5. Member onboarding 6. Annual membership and good standing requirements
Training: $745 one-time training cost Evaluation: $90 every 3 years Membership: $400 annually or 20 approved volunteer hours each year
Independent Team
Completion TIme: ~4 Months
Evaluation every 3 years
.1. AKC Canine Good Citizen 2. AKC Canine Good Citizen–Community 3. Therapy Dog and Handler Class 4. Dog Alliance Therapy Dog & Handler Evaluation
Training: $745 one-time training cost Evaluation: $90 every 3 years
Dog Alliance Membership
Dog Alliance Therapy Dog Team Membership is designed for certified teams who want to stay connected, continue volunteering, and participate in approved therapy dog visits throughout the community.
Access to Dog Alliance-approved volunteer opportunities
Opportunities to serve in hospitals, schools, workplaces, and other community settings
Insurance coverage during qualifying Dog Alliance-coordinated visits
Ongoing connection to the Dog Alliance therapy dog community
Your first year of membership is complimentary. After the first year, teams may maintain their membership by either:
Paying the $400 annual membership fee, or Completing 20 approved volunteer hours each year
Therapy dog testing is valid for three years. Teams must complete a new therapy dog evaluation every three years to maintain active therapy dog team status.
Our Accreditations
Bringing Comfort to the Workplace & Beyond
Therapy Dog Visits for Corporate Wellness, Events & Brand Engagement
Looking to boost employee morale, create unforgettable event experiences, or make your brand stand out? Certified therapy dog teams bring calm, connection, and joy to the workplace, grand openings, galas, and beyond. From stress-reducing visits to high-impact marketing moments, our trained teams are ready to support your business with heart and professionalism.
My dog, Rex, and I joined The Dog Alliance in 2015. We were a Registered Therapy team for The Dog Alliance for 4 years; visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Even though Rex has passed, I continue to volunteer for TDA because their vision inspires me. They have taught me so much about dogs and our relationships to them.
The staff and founder of this organization are nothing less than amazing. They put their hearts and souls into each dog and are so appreciative of every single person that helps. The Dog Alliance is an organization worthy of high admiration for their knowledge, community outreach, and especially for their love of dogs.
MORGAN L.
★★★★★
All the folks at The Alliance are super friendly and supportive. The SnowBeast and I are a certified Therapy team now, thanks to the excellent instruction and support of Carolyn Hornish (one of the many wonderful instructors at the ADA). Whenever I have questions about our therapy work I can always ask the folks at the ADA and they go to great lengths to provide help or further instruction even though I’m no longer enrolled in a class. If therapy or agility isn’t your thing, check out the long list of other services and classes ADA provides.
BUZZ
★★★★★
As an educator, I value the Therapy Dog program and the volunteers and dogs who serve our students. The therapy dogs absolutely motivate the students to become better readers! The volunteers encourage and guide the students through the process of sounding out words and being able to recall what they read. The team that visits our school also provides stress relief interactions at the local high school. Overall, it’s amazing the difference these volunteers and their trained dogs provide to our community!
DANA JONES
★★★★★
They do a great job of training us owners to train our dogs. I’m so happy I found them. They will train my puppy all the way to therapy dog certification!
LINDYLOU
★★★★★
My wire dachund seemed like a natural to be a pet therapy dog. So, when I retired, Frodo and I took the class at Austin Dog Alliance to become a pet therapy team. I was so impressed with our teacher and with the other students, both canine and human. We qualified as a predictable team and have been volunteering at a local nursing home in the memory unit. Once a week Frodo and I go and visit with the residents. They LOVE him. He snuggles with them in their chair or in their bed–as they wish. The hardest part of our job is leaving. I hate taking him away from any of his fans in order to see another fan. Our visits are very rewarding for us.
Rachell Hayes
★★★★★
I love this dog training school. I go here for service dog training. I feel absolutely lucky that they are here in Cedar Park. Service dog training schools seem to be few and far in-between, plus they are usually expensive (like $25,000 expensive). This school has a train your own service dog program which is only a percentage of that cost (depends on the dog but they say about $2,500). We love Becca Young, Kathleen Reish, and Paula Baker-Smith. They are really helpful and understanding of dog behaviors.
E.E.
★★★★★
Love Naomi’s Nose work class. My dog loves going to class every week. She is so knowledgeable and patient with the dogs and owners. I have only had great experiences at dog alliance.
Lalitch
★★★★★
I first was introduced to this charity through their summer clinics for kids and their dogs. My daughter went to this clinic for two summers, brought a friend the second summer because it was so fun. She learned so much and it created a deeper bond between her and our dog Jim. Since then I have taken multiple classes and I always learn new ways to engage with my dog and create a deeper bonds. Their main mission is training service dogs for veterans which is so impactful for those coming back and need the support. Their mission is definitely worth supporting!
Benefits of Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs trained through our certified program bring emotional comfort, boost confidence, and encourage healing across all ages. From helping children read to reducing loneliness in seniors, certified therapy dogs make a lasting impact in schools, hospitals, retirement homes, and workplaces.
Therapy dogs help children become more confident readers by providing a calm, nonjudgmental presence during literacy programs. Through proper therapy dog training, dogs are able to create safe learning environments that ease anxiety and boost focus in young readers.
Therapy dogs bring joy and emotional support to seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, and hospitals. Trained therapy dogs can reduce feelings of loneliness and spark meaningful interactions that enhance quality of life.
Certified therapy dogs help lower anxiety and promote relaxation in stressful environments. Through therapy dog training, these dogs learn to remain calm and comforting, making them ideal partners for mental and emotional wellness.
Therapy dog visits promote communication and bonding across all age groups—from children with special needs to adults in recovery. Therapy dog training prepares these dogs to safely engage with individuals in schools, hospitals, and community spaces.
Trained therapy dog teams can reduce stress and increase positivity in the workplace. By incorporating certified therapy dog visits into corporate wellness programs or events, businesses show a commitment to employee mental health and culture.
Is My Dog a Good Fit for Therapy Dog Training?
Not every dog starts off ready for therapy work, but many become excellent therapy dogs with proper training. Dogs that are calm, friendly, and love human interaction often thrive in therapy dog training. Your dog should be confident in new settings, respond to basic commands, and stay focused around distractions. If that sounds like your pup, they might be the perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Service Dog Training
Find answers to common questions about our service dog training programs and how they can assist you.
Dog Alliance coordinates some approved therapy dog visits. These may be regular visits or special visits that need more planning.
Other visits may be arranged directly by the volunteer with the site.
Volunteer-coordinated visits are visits you set up yourself. You contact the site, schedule the visit, complete site paperwork, and follow site rules. Dog Alliance may share a contact if one is available.
Your first year of Dog Alliance Therapy Dog Membership is free. After the first year, membership is $400 each year or 20 approved volunteer hours each year.
Training costs $745. Evaluation costs $90 every 3 years.
Yes. Hospitals often have extra rules. They may require a separate application, background check, health tests, vaccines, orientation, or their own therapy dog test. We can help with training but each hospital decides its own rules.
Members track volunteer hours in the Dog Alliance volunteer system. Hours should be entered every quarter. Final yearly hours should be entered by January 15.
Site partners should contact Dog Alliance to request a therapy dog visit. Dog Alliance will review the request and decide what type of visit is the best fit.
Yes. After the first free year, members can complete 20 approved volunteer hours instead of paying the $400 yearly membership fee.
Dog Alliance therapy team members in good standing are covered by the Dog Alliance’s general liability insurance policy up to $1 million per incident when volunteering.
You are not covered if you are being paid for your services or if you are volunteering at your place of employment.
If you are paid by the Dog Alliance, you are covered by our employee and or contractor insurance, not our volunteer policy.
A Dog Alliance Therapy Team Member stays active with Dog Alliance and may join approved Dog Alliance therapy dog visits.
An Independent Team may train and test with Dog Alliance but does not stay active as a Dog Alliance member. Independent Teams set up their own visits and are not covered by Dog Alliance insurance.
Choose Train Only if you want training but do not need Dog Alliance evaluation, membership, insurance, or visits right now.
Choose Dog Alliance Therapy Dog Member if you want to join approved Dog Alliance therapy dog visits or need Dog Alliance insurance for approved visits.
Choose Independent Team if you want to volunteer on your own, through another group, through a site that provides insurance, or with your own insurance.
Ask yourself: Do I need Dog Alliance insurance or Dog Alliance-coordinated visits? If yes, choose Membership.
No, therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. While therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional and physical support to others—such as patients in hospitals, students in schools, or seniors in assisted living—they are not considered service animals and are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you’re looking to train your dog as a service animal to support your own disability-related needs, we encourage you to sign up for our Service Dog Training Seminar to learn more.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and emotional support in settings like hospitals, schools, and senior centers, while service dogs are trained to assist individuals with specific disabilities. Therapy dog training focuses on social behavior and public interaction, whereas service dog training involves task-based skills to support a handler’s daily needs.
Yes, all therapy dog teams must pass an evaluation to ensure they’re prepared to work safely and calmly in various public settings. Our certified instructors will guide you through training to help you and your dog succeed in the therapy dog assessment.
Yes, therapy dogs can be brought into workplaces—especially by professionals like teachers, therapists, and counselors—when properly trained and certified. However, it’s important to ensure that your employer allows therapy dogs and that liability insurance is in place. You’ll either need your own personal policy or your workplace must verify coverage for therapy dogs under their insurance.
Yes, a dog can be certified with more than one handler. Additional handlers may join the therapy dog training class for a small fee, but each handler must complete the evaluation and test individually to be certified.
Yes! The Dog Alliance is an AKC-recognized therapy dog training program, which means your volunteer hours with us count toward earning official AKC Therapy Dog titles. Our system makes it easy to log and track your hours to ensure they’re properly recorded for your certification.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us—we’re here to help!
Therapy Dog Training Prerequisites
Before the Therapy Dog Evaluation, your dog must complete these required steps:
1. AKC Canine Good Citizen
Before the Therapy Dog Evaluation, your dog must complete these required steps:
After AKC Canine Good Citizen, the next two classes can be taken in the order that works best for your schedule.
Train Only path ends here.
Help Raise a Future Service Dog
Training and ongoing support are provided.
Whether you can foster for a few days or help raise a puppy through its first year, your time can help prepare a future service dog for a Texas veteran.
