5 ⭐ Rated | Accredited CPD | Join over 1600+ Professionals & Organisations working with PAWS

Introduce a Life-Changing Therapy Dog To Your
Practice or Workplace...

  • Watch the 4-min video:

Complete the short application below to get started:

Please note: Applicants are required to have a puppy or dog that is sociable and friendly towards people (including children and young people), as well as friendly with other dogs.

Some Of Our Incredible Therapy Dogs...

What's Included?

The PAWS Therapy Dog CPD Certification Programme is the UK's first comprehensive programme that will equip you and your dog with everything you need to know and do to deliver safe and effective animal-assisted therapy in your school, practice or workplace.

When you enrol, you'll access:

BECOME A PRACTITIONER 

Please note: Applicants are required to have a puppy or dog that is sociable and friendly towards people (including children and young people), as well as friendly with other dogs.

Specifically Designed For:

Therapists & Counsellors

Clinical or Counselling Psychologists

Psychotherapists & Psychiatrists

Schools & Educational Establishments

What Practitioners Say About PAWS...

What Practitioners Say About PAWS...

Animal-Assisted Therapy is fast becoming the most popular option in across the UK...and for very good reason! 

Extensive research studies have shown that Animal-Assisted Therapy can:

  • Support children, young people and adults
  • ​ Promote higher participation and reduction in withdrawal behaviours 
  • ​ Effectively reduce stress and anxiety
  • ​Improve self-esteem and self-determination
  • ​​ Stimulate memory and problem solving
  • ​ Lower blood pressure
  • ​​Increase engagements and positive outcomes in rehabilitation
  • ​Increase verbal and non-verbal communication 
  • ​​ Foster positive emotions and mood 
  • ​ Help clients to express their feelings
  • ​ Help to develop social skills
  • ​Boost quality of life

And ultimately, improve the outcome of the therapy.

START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY

Want to spread the cost?

There’s also a 4 or 6 month interest-free instalment option available to make this even more affordable. You'll be able to discuss instalment options with one of our Enrolment Advisors when you apply.

APPLY NOW

Meet Nici...

PAWS is the culmination of a very personal journey that started over six years ago, when I had a dawning realisation that my daughter was really struggling. 

Since then, I have completed numerous qualifications in Animal Assisted Therapy, Understanding Autism, Counselling, Mental Health First Aid and a Dog Training Certification which has led me to fulfil my life’s work to enhance the wellbeing of those who experience poor mental health, disability or social disadvantage. 

PAWS is more than a passion for me... It’s a mission, to bring the magic of Animal Assisted Therapy to those who can most benefit. 

BECOME A PAWS PRACTITIONER

Nicola Maxwell,
Founder of PAWS

How Do I Get Started?

  • 1. Click 'APPLY NOW' and submit a short application.

    Once you've submitted your details, you'll get the opportunity to fast-track your application by scheduling a call.
  • 2. Our friendly PAWS Team will be in touch to discuss your application and carry out your dog's free temperament assessment.

    We'll tell you on the phone if you and your dog are a good fit for the programme.
  • 3. Enrol on the Programme and start your Therapy Dog journey!

    You'll get Instant Access to the online learning platform, our Practitioner Community, and support calls with Nici.

Meet the team

Compassionate trainers. Real experience. Lifelong support.

A small, dedicated team combining professional expertise with lived experience. Kind, science-based training that helps people and dogs thrive together.

Portrait of Nici Maxwell

Nici Maxwell

Founder & Head of Training

Qualified trainer and counsellor, Nici created PAWS to offer compassionate, science-based support for people and their dogs. She leads with empathy and practical know-how, drawing on professional training and counselling qualifications.

Portrait of Jackie Dean

Jackie Dean

Core Mentor

Certified trainer delivering Animal Assisted Interventions with Therapy Dog Nelly in schools and care homes. Her NHS background supporting adults with learning disabilities brings empathy to every family she works with.

Portrait of Ali Greenwood

Ali Greenwood

Core Mentor

Accredited trainer specialising in Scentwork, Hoopers, and 1:1 coaching. Ali helps people and dogs build confidence together with positive, reward-based methods, and is also the founder of BeKind Rescue.

Portrait of Rach Tomlinson

Rach Tomlinson

Core Mentor

Trainer & behaviourist supporting sensitive dogs and their humans with calm, evidence-based training. Rach focuses on helping dogs with big feelings build trust, confidence, and connection with their people.

Portrait of Katrya Jantawong

Katrya Jantawong

Support Team

The friendly face behind most emails, Katrya ensures your Assistance Dog journey runs smoothly, from assessments and compliance to everyday support. She's been a key part of the PAWS team for over four years.

Portrait of Annie Maybury

Annie Maybury

Support Team

Annie keeps you supported at every step: answering questions, guiding you through the programme, and making sure you always feel welcome and cared for. She's part of the heartbeat that keeps PAWS running smoothly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers To Common Questions

How much does the programme cost?

The PAWS Therapy Dog CPD Certification Programme is just £1998 including VAT. You can also choose to pay in smaller, interest-free monthly instalments.

How do I know it's right for me?

If you love dogs and believe in the power of animal assisted therapy - and you work in an educational, clinical or therapeutic capacity - the Programme is perfect for you.

Are there payment plans?

Yes! You can pay in full, or split your instalments into either two or four interest-free instalments.

Do I need a dog to get started?

You can get started on the Programme without a dog, but you will need a dog to be able to complete the programme. Most applicants have a pet dog whom they believe would make a good Therapy Dog, although many of our applicants are also awaiting puppies.

Is there an enrolment date?

You can get started with the Programme right away! You'll get instant access to the Programme as soon as you enrol.

Does my location matter?

Due to the in-person assessment that takes place towards the end of the Programme, you must currently be residing in the UK. Our Assessors travel nationwide.

How long does the programme take to complete?

We recommend that the Programme takes around 4 months to complete, but there is no time limit or deadline. You can work through at your own pace and take your assessment when you are ready.

What does the Programme consist of?

The Programme contains four high-quality video-based modules, with supporting resources. The lessons are easy to work through and easy to binge watch - like Netflix, but with Therapy Dogs!

What will the Programme enable me to do?

The programme will enable you to deliver safe and effective Animal Assisted Therapy (if you are qualified in Counselling or Therapy) or Animal Assisted Interventions in your workplace or business. You will be a PAWS Therapy Dog Practitioner and your dog will be a PAWS Therapy Dog. You'll be be able to proudly display our digital badge, as well as order a PAWS logo Therapy Dog jacket for your dog to wear whilst they are working, once you have completed all of your assessments and compliance checks. Please note that a jacket is NOT required by law and does not imply public access, which is only relevant to Assistance Dogs. For more information, please speak to one of our PAWS Team.

Can I join the programme as a Teacher or Headteacher for my school?

The PAWS Therapy Dog Certification Programme has been created for those in a therapeutic capacity, though there are many roles and qualifications that fall into that bracket. We have a School Therapy Dog Programme, specific to schools, that has been created for educational establishments. This is because there are many unique considerations when introducing a Therapy Dog into your school, including careful introductions, managing allergies, conducting risk assessments, and securing necessary insurance. The programme also provides ongoing in-person support, which has been found to be highly effective. To learn more visit here.

How am I assessed?

There are online assessments throughout the modules which must be submitted with a pass mark of 70%. Your final assessment will consist of an online theory assessment, an in-person assessment and a compliance check. There are no written essays in the Programme.

When is the in-person assessment?

The in-person assessment can be booked at any time to suit you when you've reached Module Three. It lasts around 2 hours. The assessment is a great opportunity for feedback and improvement. We're about progress, not perfection!

What if I need help or support?

The PAWS team are here to help on team@paws-therapydogs.com. You'll never be on your own during the programme - support is available via our online community group and with weekly live Supervision Clinics.

Will the Programme give me access rights?

Therapy Dogs are very different to Assistance Dogs. Assistance dogs are fully protected under the Equality Act 2010 and are allowed into public places. 'Therapy Dog' is a term used to broadly describe a dog/dogs who provide therapeutic benefits, as well as joy, to multiple individuals. Your Therapy Dog will not have access rights and you should ask businesses or organisations for permission before entering. Full education on the differences between Therapy Dogs and Assistance Dogs, and UK law, is included in the Programme.

Not what you're looking for?

Please select which of these options best applies to you to view our other Therapy & Assistance Dog Programmes 👇

I'm a professional working in a school, such as a Headteacher, Teacher or TA 📚
I'd like to train an Assistance Dog for myself or family member ❤️
I'm a Dog Trainer who'd like to make an income from Therapy Dog work 🐕

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