AKC Therapy Dog Program: Titles, Eligibility, and Application Process

AKC Therapy Dog Program Overview

The AKC Therapy Dog Program recognizes and celebrates the special role that therapy dogs play in bringing comfort and joy to people in need. This program not only acknowledges dogs and handlers dedicated to this valuable work but also offers official AKC therapy dog titles as you and your dog log visits in your community. Therapy dogs and their handlers volunteer in diverse settings, from hospitals to disaster areas, improving lives through their compassionate service.

What Is a Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and affection to people in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. Their interactions are meant to benefit mental health, reduce stress, and foster emotional well-being. Therapy dogs are distinct from service dogs in that they do not assist individuals with disabilities, but instead offer support to groups or the general public through structured visits.

• Comfort and support for patients and residents in healthcare facilities
• Emotional relief for victims and survivors in disaster situations
• Encouragement and motivation for students in educational environments

AKC Therapy Dog Title Levels

The AKC Therapy Dog Program offers five levels of titles based on the number of documented therapy visits you and your dog have completed. Each title builds upon your ongoing commitment to volunteer work and your dog’s continued positive impact on your community.

Eligibility Requirements

Any dog, whether purebred or mixed breed, can qualify to earn AKC therapy dog titles, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Certified/Registered by an AKC-recognized therapy dog organization (not just a service dog organization)
• Dog must have an AKC Registration Number, PAL Number (for unregistrable purebreds), or AKC Canine Partners Number (for mixed breeds)
• Must perform the minimum number of therapy visits as required for the desired title (see table above)
• Visits must be documented, including date, location, and signature from the facility representative

Understanding Therapy Visit Documentation

Each eligible visit must be conducted at a facility or setting where therapy dog work is recognized. This may include nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, and certain crisis relief deployments. Keep accurate records using the Therapy Dog Record of Visits Sheet provided by the AKC or an equivalent log recognized by your therapy dog organization.

How to Get Started: Steps to AKC Therapy Dog Titles

1. Train and Certify Your Dog: Enroll your dog in a recognized therapy dog training program and achieve certification or registration with an AKC-acknowledged therapy dog organization.
2. Register with AKC: Ensure your dog has one of the required AKC numbers: Registration Number, PAL Number, or Canine Partners Number.
3. Volunteer and Log Visits: Begin volunteering at approved facilities. Log each visit, making sure to include pertinent details and required signatures.
4. Apply for Your Title: When your dog meets the visit requirements for a title, download the AKC Therapy Dog Title Application, complete it, and mail it along with your visit logs and the application fee to AKC.
5. Receive Your Title: If your application meets all criteria, receive your AKC Therapy Dog title certificate, a record on your dog’s AKC profile, and an official patch or medal for select advanced titles.

Therapy Dog Certification and Recognized Organizations

A key requirement for the AKC Therapy Dog Program is certification or registration with an AKC-recognized therapy dog organization. Examples of such organizations include Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and others. Each organization may have its own standards for handler and canine behavior, evaluation, and testing, but all must ensure dogs are:

• Well-mannered and under handler control at all times
• Non-aggressive, even-tempered, and friendly with people
• Good with other dogs
• Comfortable around medical equipment, loud noises, and unusual situations

Most recognized programs will require:

• Completion of a training class focused on therapy work
• A temperament and behavioral evaluation
• Performance of test visits under supervised conditions

AKC Numbers: Registration, PAL, and Canine Partners

To track and credit therapy dog accomplishments, the AKC requires eligible dogs to possess one of the following numbers:

• AKC Registration Number: For purebred dogs whose parentage is registered with the AKC
• PAL (Purebred Alternative Listing) Number: For purebreds who lack registration papers
• AKC Canine Partners Number: For mixed breeds or dogs otherwise ineligible for traditional registration

Applying for an AKC Therapy Dog Title

Once your dog has completed the minimum number of required therapy visits for a title, you are ready to apply. Follow these steps for a smooth application process:

1. Download and Complete the Application: Obtain the AKC Therapy Dog Title Application from the AKC website.
2. Prepare Your Visit Log: Attach your completed Therapy Dog Record of Visits Sheet or an equivalent log confirming your visits.
3. Include the Payment: Enclose the required fee as stated on the application. AKC accepts checks, money orders, and most major credit cards.
4. Mail to the AKC: Send your application, log, and payment to the AKC Therapy Dog Program address provided on the form.

If your application is approved, AKC will officially record your title, send you a certificate, and (for advanced levels) award a commemorative patch or medal. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, your fee will be refunded and you will be notified by AKC staff.

Volunteer Commitment and The Benefits of Therapy Dog Work

The heart of the AKC Therapy Dog Program is a commitment to volunteer service. Many therapy dog teams dedicate hundreds of hours to bring comfort to those in need. The impact includes:

• Reducing anxiety in patients and staff at healthcare facilities
• Improving social interactions for children and adults with special needs
• Supporting disaster relief workers and survivors after traumatic events
• Enhancing reading skills and motivation in school-based literacy programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who can participate in the AKC Therapy Dog Program?

A: Any handler and dog team certified by an AKC-recognized therapy dog organization, with the dog registered, PAL-listed, or enrolled as a Canine Partner, is eligible to apply for the titles as long as they complete the recorded visit requirements.

Q: Do therapy activities in private homes count toward the title?

A: No, only visits to recognized facilities or events (such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, disaster areas, and group therapy settings) supervised by the certifying organization will count toward the AKC Therapy Dog title.

Q: Can my mixed-breed dog earn AKC therapy dog titles?

A: Yes, mixed-breed dogs are eligible through the AKC Canine Partners Program. Once enrolled, they are assigned an AKC number that can be used for title recognition.

Q: Can I count more than one visit a day?

A: Multiple visits in one day at the *same* facility generally count as a single visit. However, visits to different facilities on the same day may be logged individually, per the AKC guidelines.

Q: How do I document my therapy dog visits?

A: Use the Therapy Dog Record of Visits Sheet or an equivalent tracking document. Each entry should include the date, facility, and a signature from the facility staff or representative to verify the visit.

Q: What happens after I submit my therapy dog title application?

A: AKC will review your application and documentation. If approved, your dog’s official title will be added to their AKC record, and you will receive a title certificate. For some advanced titles, you’ll also receive a commemorative patch or medal.

Q: Can I use the AKC Therapy Dog title suffix in my dog’s name?

A: Yes, once officially awarded, the recognized abbreviations (THDN, THD, THDA, THDX, THDD, THDS) can be added as suffixes to your dog’s registered or listed name.

The Lasting Value of Therapy Dog Programs

The AKC Therapy Dog Program is more than a recognition of your service—it is a celebration of the profound impact a dog and handler can have on others. Each title earned is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and partnership that defines the therapy dog community. The AKC encourages every qualified team to log their visits, share their stories, and inspire others to join in making a difference, one therapy visit at a time.

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Anjali Sayee

 

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