Therapy Dog Testing is done to ensure that your dog is well-mannered and under control. Good temperament, good health, and basic obedience skills are a must for healthcare or school facility visitations. We offer therapy dog testing every 6 months. Testing is announced on our website and through our notification email list (see below). You will be asked to provide copies of all current shots/titers for each dog you bring in for testing. There is a charge for this test, to help defray our costs. The test is divided into sections: Pre-Interview - Once our Therapy Dog Testing dates are announced and we have received your request for an appointment, you will be contacted via telephone for an interview. This is an opportunity for "newbies" to ask questions about Fidos and our Therapy Program as well as our requirements for joining the program and maintaining your participation. Temperament - Therapy dogs must be able to react appropriately in a wide variety of circumstances. They must pass all of these: Observation of dog (dog is placed in an enclosed area) Reaction to a stranger's approach Reaction to handling by stranger (sudden movements, rolling dog on back, brushing dog, playing tug etc.) Reaction to ball and unusual object Obedience - Dogs 8 months and older must pass at least 3 of the obedience exercises in order to be able to participate in training classes at the Fidos facility. All dogs must pass the meet and greet portion of the test on testing day. They have 60 days to complete remaining exercises and must pass all of them before they can begin visiting. Heel on leash 3 minute sit-stay 1 minute visiting stand-stay 15 minute down stay 20' off-lead recall at an angle, with distractions Meet & greet *interact with strangers and therapy dogs *Dogs under 8 mos of age will be tested on a case by case basis. Dogs must have full set of shots and be socialized enough to visit the Fidos facility. If accepted into the program; then puppies have until they reach 8 mos of age to finish all 5 obedience requirements above. Interview - Handlers will be interviewed. TESTING DATES Therapy Dog testing is usually done in the spring and fall. If you would like to be notified when our next testing date is, please use the link below to sign up for our testing date notification email list. You will ONLY receive email from Fidos letting you know when our next testing will be. Subscribe to our Therapy Dog Testing notification list After you sign up on the mailing list, you will receive notification of our testing dates. The notification will include a link to sign up for an appointment and all the information on what to bring, when, where, etc. for testing day.

Additional Info > Therapy Dog Program > Becoming a Team > Therapy Dog Testing > Handler Classes > Veterinary Requirements > Attendance & Participation Requirements