Therapy dogs visit hospitals, hospices, rehabilitation centers, adult day care, and assisted-living facilities, bringing comfort, companionship, and entertainment. Therapy dogs do not participate in physical therapy, but rather they provide emotional support to people in sometimes trying circumstances. People usually welcome the visits from friendly canines, and it may remind them of their dog waiting for them at home. Studies have shown that visiting with a therapy dog can lower blood pressure and stress, while increasing alertness and social interaction. There are many stories of unresponsive patients, suffering from strokes or other impairments, who respond to a dog's presence.

 

Therapy dogs are privately owned dogs that have been tested and certified by TDI. Therapy dogs can be any breed, shape, or size, as long as they like people and have a good temperment. They should enjoy going to different places and meeting new people, and they need to be calm and well-mannered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Therapy dog work is rewarding and makes a difference to those it serves. Handlers choose to go through the TDI evaluation because they want to share their wonderful dog with others. All therapy dog visits are done on a volunteer basis--there is no charge.

 

To become TDI-certified, dogs must pass the TDI Evaluation, which includes behavorial and obedience tests given by a TDI Evaluator. Additionally, a health exam must be completed and submitted to TDI annually. Once certified by TDI, dogs are ready to visit, and are insured whenever on official TDI business. See How Do Dogs Get Certified?

 

Local TDI therapy dogs are currently visiting facilities including St. Agnes Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Fresno Community Hospital, Children's Hospital of Central California, San Joaquin Gardens, Bel Haven, CareMeridian, Raintree Convalescent, St. Agnes Adult Day Health Care, and the Fresno Veterans' Hospital, among others.