Have a calm, friendly dog who loves people? Find out how the two of you can become a therapy team, bringing smiles to hospitals, schools, libraries and senior communities across West Tennessee. We’ll help you every step of the way.
Could your dog do this?
- Enjoys meeting people of all ages, including strangers
- Stays calm around new places, sounds, equipment and other dogs
- Knows basic manners: sit, down, stay, and walking nicely on a loose leash
- Is healthy, clean and comfortable being petted and handled
- Is at least 1 year old, and has lived with you long enough to know you well
Any breed or mix can make a good therapy dog; our own teams range from whippets to golden retrievers. Temperament and training matter most. If you aren’t sure about your dog’s talents, the AKC Canine Good Citizen requirements are a good guide, and we can recommend local trainers who can help you prepare.
Who can join
- You: a friendly volunteer who enjoys people and will visit with your own dog
- Your dog: see the checklist above
- Already registered? Teams registered with another national therapy dog organization are welcome.
From pet to visiting team
- Say hello. Send us the short form below. We’ll answer your questions and tell you when the next evaluation is.
- Prepare. Practice basic manners and calm greetings. The Canine Good Citizen test is a great goal.
- Get evaluated. We offer evaluation through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. A tester sees how your dog does with friendly strangers, gentle handling and everyday distractions.
- Register and join WTTD. Register with Alliance of Therapy Dogs and complete the WTTD membership application.
- Start visiting. Choose the visits that fit your week.
Time commitment
Visit as often as works for you and your dog.
What it costs
- WTTD membership: $30, a one-time lifetime fee
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs membership: $30 a year, which includes evaluation and insurance coverage
We hold new-member testing monthly.
Tell us about you and your dog
Prefer paper? Download the membership application (PDF).
Follow our teams:InstagramFacebook
Questions
How long does it take to go from first hello to first visit?
About two months.
Do I need any experience?
No experience is needed.
Is there a Tennessee therapy dog certification?
Therapy dog teams are evaluated and registered by national organizations, such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs. We’ll walk you through it.
My dog is already registered with another organization. Can we join?
Yes. All registered therapy dogs are welcome.
Can I help without a dog?
Yes. You can share our posts or tell your friends about us. See ways to support our teams.
What’s the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
Read our short guide.