After passing the therapy dog assessment, you may complete the membership process by submitting: A signed membership form A completed evaluation test A veterinary health certificate A headshot photo of you and your dog Membership fee Your evaluator will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have along the way. We want joining PAWS Therapy Team to feel exciting—not overwhelming. Please see the membership page for a downloadable New Member Package.

Please do not be discouraged. Some dogs simply need a little more maturity, confidence, or practice before they are ready—and that is perfectly normal. Therapy work asks a lot of our dogs emotionally, and there is no rush. You are welcome to retake the test whenever you and your dog feel ready.

No. While the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen® test focuses on general manners and responsible ownership, the PAWS Therapy Team evaluation test is centered on real therapy dog situations. Our evaluation test is designed to help determine whether your dog will be comfortable, confident, and successful in the kinds of environments where people are counting on a calm and loving visit.

Membership is renewed annually. We send reminders approximately one to two months before your expiration date, so you have plenty of time to complete the renewal.

Because our teams work closely with children, seniors, hospital patients, and other vulnerable individuals, every therapy dog must be healthy, clean, and well groomed. Dogs should be: Current on Rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella vaccinations Parasite free Clean and freshly groomed Neatly trimmed nails Pleasant smelling A healthy dog helps ensure that every visit is safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Dogs must complete the PAWS Therapy Team Handling Assessment. To help you feel comfortable and prepared, we provide a full list of test exercises in our downloadable New Membership Package on our Membership page. We encourage handlers to practice at home, take their time, and approach testing as a learning experience rather than something stressful. We want both you and your dog to feel confident.