DEFINITION OF A THERAPY DOG
Therapy Dogs are registered, certified dogs that visit people in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and other institutions in an effort to lift spirits. Therapy Dogs and their handlers share the dogs' unconditional love with the
people they visit. Therapy Dogs can enter any facility that allows therapy animals on their premises. This is not the same as a service dog (seeing eye for example) that can enter stores and restaurants. It has been determined that the petting of a dog
can help to relieve stress and lower blood pressure.
"Therapy Dog" is not a title. A dog that has successfully passed the Canine Good Citizen / Therapy Dog test actually becomes a therapy dog when the dog actually makes a therapy visit.
Last Update: 02/23/2006
Web Author: FLK, CS
Copyright ©2002 by Greater Lehigh Therapy Dogs - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED