Question 1

What is the difference between a therapy dog, a service dog, and an emotional support dog?

Accepted Answer

Therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support dogs all play important roles, but they are not the same.

Therapy dogs visit people in settings such as schools, seniors’ residences, hospitals, hospices, community programs, and special events. They are accompanied by their volunteer handler and provide comfort, connection, and emotional support to many people during a visit.

Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for one individual with a disability. They have public access rights that therapy dogs do not have.

Emotional support dogs provide comfort and companionship to their owner, but they are not trained to perform specific service tasks and do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.

Therapy dogs are often family pets with a calm, friendly temperament and strong basic obedience. With CTDS, each dog and handler team must successfully complete an assessment process before participating in visits.

Question 2

What do you look for in a therapy dog?

Accepted Answer

CTDS looks for dogs that are calm, friendly, well-socialized, and comfortable around people and other dogs.

A suitable therapy dog should have:

A great temperament. The dog should enjoy being around people, including people they have not met before, and should be comfortable in different environments.

Good obedience. The dog should understand basic commands such as sit, down, stay, and leave it, and should remain focused on their handler.

Good physical health. The dog must be physically fit and able to pass a veterinary health examination.

Question 3

What breeds are welcome?

Accepted Answer

CTDS welcomes dogs of all breeds, sizes, colours, and backgrounds. Our therapy dogs are diverse, just like our volunteers.

Dogs may be purebred, mixed breed, adopted, rescued, large, or small. What matters most is temperament, obedience, health, and suitability for therapy dog visits.

Question 4

My dog is fearful, reactive, or does not like other dogs. Can they still become a therapy dog?

Accepted Answer

No. Therapy dogs need to be calm, confident, and comfortable around people and other dogs.

If a dog is fearful, reactive, or uncomfortable in busy or unfamiliar environments, therapy dog work is likely not the right fit at this time.

Question 5

How old does my dog need to be to become a therapy dog with CTDS?

Accepted Answer

Readiness is based more on maturity than age.

Some dogs mature earlier than others, depending on their breed, personality, training, and life experience. A therapy dog needs to be calm, reliable, well-socialized, and able to remain focused on their handler in different environments.

Question 6

Will my dog be accepted if they are fed a raw or partially raw diet?

Accepted Answer

No. CTDS does not accept dogs that are fed a raw or partially raw diet.

This policy is in place because of the potential risk of transmitting certain bacteria or illnesses, particularly when visiting vulnerable populations. This approach is consistent with guidance from health professionals and veterinarians

AGLC #789525

Frequently asked questions