Therapy Dog Program –
Alliance of Therapy Dogs Affiliated
Whether you and your dog are looking to become a certified therapy team or your facility would like to start a therapy dog program, Wet Nose Dog Training can help you get started.
Wet Nose Dog Training works in conjunction with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) in certifying new therapy dog/handler teams to work in their communities. The ATD is a nationally recognized organization. Any dog one year of age or older of any breed is welcome to take the ATD certification exam as long as they are well-mannered, well-behaved, and enjoy meeting people.
ATD’s testing process consists of ensuring that you and your dog have the right obedience skills and temperament for therapy dog work and 2 visits to medical facilities. While at these visits, your ATD tester/observer will guide you and your dog in the fine art of visiting with people safely and enjoyably. All of these testing components to becoming certified with the ATD are completely free of charge and are administered by ATD volunteers. There is a fee to become registered with the ATD, which you will pay directly to them. First-time members registration is $60, which covers a $10 new member fee and a $20 background check fee to the $30 a year membership fee. This $30 fee includes coverage to the ATD’s insurance plan. Of course, there are other organizations that you can register with. Wet Nose Dog Training is only affiliated with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, but we will assist you in meeting any therapy dog certification.