Is Therapy Dog work right for you?
We pride ourselves on being an all-volunteer organization, and we will never charge for visits. PAWS Therapy Team is a 501c3 non-profit organization. and an Ohio Chapter of The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. We abide by the strict rules and guidelines set forth by our parent organization and welcome all members of Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs to become a part of our group at any time. There are no limitations on when you can join us.
To learn more about The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc.,
visit their website http://www.golden-dogs.org/
How to Certify a Therapy Dog
Getting your dog certified as a therapy dog can give it more credibility and open doors to places that need them, like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. The certification process can take 3–6 months, depending on the organization you choose.
Is Your Dog Ready?
Dog must:
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Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification: Your dog must have successfully passed the CGC test, Proof of certification is required.
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Be at least one year old at the time of evaluation
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Demonstrate good basic obedience skills. Walk with a loose leash, and respond reliably to common commands such as “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.”
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Welcome, not merely tolerate, interactions with strangers.
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Have no history of aggression or seriously injuring either people or other animals
Canine Good Citizen was established in 1989 and is an AKC program to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage training of well-behaved dogs. To learn more about the CGC, go to:
For more information
Steps to Join the P.A.W.S. Therapy Team
1. Download and Submit Required Paperwork
Once all application forms and required documents have been completed and submitted, both the handler and
dog may be approved to begin visits.
Required documents include:
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Proof of your dog’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification
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Completed Member Application
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Completed Vaccination Verification form
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Signed Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability form
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Signed Rules Review form
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Appropriate membership fees
2. Receive Welcome Materials
New handlers will receive a P.A.W.S. Therapy Team handbook and official team T-shirt.
3. Begin In-Training Status
Dogs entering the program will receive an “In Training” bandana to wear during all observation visits and events.
4. Complete Supervised Training Visits
Handler and dog teams will remain in training status until they have successfully completed four to five supervised
visits with a board member.
To help ensure the highest standards of safety and care, P.A.W.S. reserves the right to request additional training
or testing at the applicant’s expense if needed.
5. Become an Official P.A.W.S. Therapy Team
After successfully completing the required supervised visits, your dog will receive their official P.A.W.S. Therapy
Team vest, and you be recognized as an official PAWS Therapy Team member.
