How Do Dogs Get Certified?
They must pass the Therapy Dogs International (TDI) Evaluation,
which determines their suitability for therapy dog work. The TDI Evaluation consists of the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test (
CGC) plus additional elements that reveal the dog's behavior around children, medical equipment, etc. See the complete TDI Evaluation at the national TDI website:
tdi-dog.org
TDI Evaluations are held periodically and you must sign up in advance. See our
Testing & Training page for the next Fresno-area test date, instructions on signing up, and a list of what to bring to the test. Go to TDI's website
http://www.tdi-dog.org/ for tests being held in other areas.
Locally, Chapter #220 hosts a Therapy Dog Coursewhich includes an orientation, a practice test, a "Before You Visit" class for new TDI handlers, and the chance to shadow handlers on visits. The course is open to anyone interested in doing therapy dog visits with their dog. See our
Testing & Training page for more information.
ABOVE: Greeting a "friendly stranger" is one part of the TDI Evaluation. RIGHT: greeting people that are using medical equipment.
LEFT: A dog's response to a child in a wheelchair is evaluated.
BELOW: Sascha the dachshund puts her all into the 'recall'!
Why get certified through TDI?
- TDI has an excellent reputation. It is one of the oldest and most widespread certifying organizations for therapy dogs.
- TDI's Evaluation is thorough. You will feel confident knowing that your dog is suitable for therapy work when he passes TDI's test.
- TDI's Insurance will cover you whenever doing official TDI visits as a volunteer. This alone is worth the annual fee TDI charges.
- TDI provides resources such as brochures and DVDs free or at very little cost.
- TDI bandanas, badges, and shirts identify you as TDI-certified. This tells people that you take therapy dog work seriously enough to get your dog trained and tested.
- TDI has local chapters, such as Chapter #220, where you can get help and support. Join other TDI handlers in community events and training sessions. Working together at the local level, we can improve our community!
