Our pets give us comfort and love by their presence, their warm smiles, and their total acceptance of us. We just feel better when they are near. Dogs can also provide that same support to people in hospitals, long-term living facilities, and care centers. Acting through Animal Assisted Therapy programs, dogs visit folks who are constrained in their social interactions or movement due to physical or mental health problems.

According to the spokesperson for Aggieland Pets With A Purpose (APWAP), "animals can be a positive incentive for patients working on boring or difficult therapy routines". For example, a patient's range-of-motion can be increased when he or she pets or brushes an animal. Studies have shown therapy animals can lower blood pressure, improve communication between humans, relieve stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation.

A therapy dog is not a service dog. This distinction is important because a service dog is a dog with special training to help the blind or deaf. A service dog is legally permitted to accompany his or her owner. Whereas a therapy dog must have the permission of the facility being visited in order to enter.

The American Kennel Club maintains a certification program used by some facilities to screen therapy dogs - called the Canine Good Citizen. This program began in 1989 and requires the dog to pass the 10-step CGC test including such tasks as such as "sit" and "stay". The AKC website provides additional information on the Canine Good Citizen program on their website.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Program

Posted by Barbara.