FAQs

At what age can my dog become a Therapy Dog?

We accept puppies and dogs of all ages and recommend that you get started on the programme with puppies as young as 8 weeks, however, in-person assessments should not be booked until your dog is 12 months. Some dogs will not be ready for their assessment until at least 18 months.

Is the programme online?

Yes - the programme learning materials and resources are all accessed online, so you can join us from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection! The in-person element is your dog's Therapy Dog Assessment, which takes place after you've completed the online learning and have passed your theory assessment. In-person assessments take place at school locations around the UK and you'll be able to book into a location that's closest to you.

Do you have restrictions on breed or diet?

At PAWS, we accept all breeds, apart from banned breeds or those facing a proposed ban. We also accept dogs on all diets, including raw fed dogs.

Will my dog get an official jacket once certified?

Yes! Once you have successfully graduated, you will be certified by PAWS and will receive a printed certificate, an official PAWS Volunteer Therapy Dog jacket and an ID lanyard that you must wear whilst you are your dog are working together.

Does this programme give me public access, such as with Assistance Dogs?

Therapy Dogs do not have the same access rights or legal protection as Assistance Dogs. It is up to the individual business or establishment to decide if they will allow your Therapy Dog entry, however, many venues are willing to allow entry for certified Therapy Dogs.

How are you different to Pets As Therapy?

Pets As Therapy is a fantastic organisation if you want to provide people with joy simply through the presence of your dog. Whilst this form of interaction is therapeutic, it's important to recognise that dogs alone cannot provide the complete therapy experience. For successful Animal Assisted Interventions aimed at achieving a specific goal or outcome, a certified working partnership is essential between a specially-trained human and specially-trained dog. At PAWS, we are dedicated to supporting you and your dog to develop this partnership.

Our programme not only provides you with comprehensive training to enable you to deliver Animal Assisted Interventions on a volunteer basis, but we also assist you in training your dog to reach a level where you feel confident in passing the assessment. The result is an extraordinary partnership that has the potential to create truly life-changing moments for children, young people and adults alike.