Highly trained dogs and their handlers work to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive and emotional goals with patients and students.
Studies show that physical contact with a dog lowers blood pressure, improves survival rates for heart-attack victims and releases endorphins, chemicals in the body that suppress pain. This makes therapy dogs ideal for use in patient settings.
The Dog Alliance's Bow Wow Therapy Dog program started in 2006. In the early years, we were affiliated with Pet Partners. Currently, our test is more stringent than Pet Partners and we are large enough to support our own insurance, testing, mentoring and monitoring procedures. Our teams are eligible for the AKC Therapy Dog titles.
The Dog Alliance is proud to be part of the training, testing and continuing education of our certified teams. When one of our teams visits your facility, you can be assured that the team has met the highest standards for training and that the team is fully supported by The Dog Alliance. Each team is insured by a $1 million per occurrence liability policy. Every volunteer has also passed a background check. To ensure reliability as the dog ages, teams are re-tested every three years. All dogs are healthy and current on their State of Texas required vaccinations.
How can I volunteer with my dog!
With over 300 partner facilities including nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, colleges, family courts, other nonprofit organizations and more; we are always ready to welcome volunteers who share our desire to serve the community.
The ideal Bow Wow Therapy Dog
- Enjoys petting and handling by a wide variety of people
- Is calm and can focus on you when another dog is nearby
- Is predictable and controllable in all situations
- Enjoys being hugged by children and adults
- Is calm around new odors, noises and environments
You and your dog are ready for therapy training if
- Your dog is at least 1 year old
- Your dog has lived with you for at least 6 months.
- Your dog has mastered basic obedience commands
- You have the time and desire to help others
Steps to Becoming a Bow Wow Therapy Team with The Dog Alliance
Teach your dog basic skills
Before you enroll in the therapy dog class, your dog needs to know sit, down, come, stay and how to walk with a loose leash. The ideal therapy dog enjoys and seeks out attention from everyone. Therapy dogs must be able to focus on you when other dogs are working nearby.
Puppies younger than 16 weeks should start with the Puppy Kindergarten class. Puppies between 16 weeks and 7 months should start with the Puppy Manners class. Dogs older than 6 months should start with the Dog Manners 1 class.
Enroll in therapy class
The Bow Wow Therapy Dog and Handler 6-week course prepares you for volunteering in nursing homes, schools, libraries and more.
This course is required prior to taking the Bow Wow Therapy Dog Team Evaluation.
Unsure if your dog is appropriate for therapy work? Do you need a scholarship for the class?
We offer a informational workshop for you and your dog to explore these topics.
Test with your dog
All teams are evaluated every three years to ensure both dog and handler are ready to volunteer safely.
Join our team
Our support team is here to ensure things runs smoothly, so you can enjoy your time volunteering.
We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to our therapy dog program.
Please do not hesitate to
contact us
if you need additional information.
