TLC's Companion Paws (Pre-Trained) Assisted Therapy Dog Adoption Process
A comprehensive 22-step journey from application to certified assisted therapy dog partnership
Complete ApplicationComplete and Submit Application
Complete and submit the online Application with all required supporting documents together.
Schedule Initial Interview
We will contact you within 7 days of submitting your application to schedule an interview call to go through the program, process and the next steps to move forward.
Payment and Contract
Moving forward, the payment of $4800 can be made by E-transfer, Credit Card or Cheque and the contract signed. If you are not approved for our Adoption program, you will be refunded your cost 100%.
Training Manager Call
Once payment and contract is received, the applicant is scheduled for a call with our Training Manager.
Adoption Manager Call
Once the Training Manager has ascertained the criteria for your dog, you will be scheduled for a call with our Companion Paws Adoption Manager.
Final Approval Assessment
Within 1 weeks time from the call with the Adoption's Manager, an assessment will be made by our Companion Paws Team for final approval and to ascertain a suitable dog match for you and your family.
Approval Confirmation
Upon final approval of acceptance into the program, you will receive an email of approval and will be added to the dog search list.
Dog Match Confirmation
Once a suitable dog has been found, we will work directly with you, to confirm suitability. They will have health and vaccinations confirmed. For any dogs under any medical treatment will be fully healed and healthy prior to placement.
Pre-Placement Preparation
You will be scheduled for a zoom call with our Training Manager to fully prepare for your dog's placement.
Final Pre-Placement Assessment
Prior to placement, a final assessment will be performed for further confirmation of temperament and suitability.
Placement Day
Upon confirmation and approval of suitability, the dog will be placed in his/her new forever home.
Begin Training
After settling-in time for the applicant and their new forever best friend, the handler and their new dog will be required to begin training. All these costs are covered by the Program!
Skills Training Online Course
Once training is complete and your dog is very well trained and ready, the handler will be registered into TLC's Companion Paws Therapy Dog Skills Training Online Course.
Final Temperament Assessment
Once you have successfully completed TLC's Companion Paws Skills Training Online Course, the handler will be scheduled for a final Temperament Assessment with a local Companion Paws Assessor.
Final Evaluation
When handler passes the Temperament Assessment, they move forward to the scheduled date for their Final Evaluation for certification.
Registration Documentation
When the handler and dog pass the Companion Paws Final Evaluation, The LifeLine Canada Foundation will forward registration documentation by email, to be completed by the handler and returned by email with all required supporting documentation.
Receive Certification
Once all registration documentation is received, the handler will be mailed a Companion Paws Therapy Dog bandana, Identification Card and Certificate of Registration.
Maintain Training
Continue to maintain and keep up with training at all times.
Quarterly Check-ins
Complete online follow-up form every 3 months.
Annual Requirements
Complete all annual requirements for Companion Paws Assisted Therapy Dog Registration, including annual renewal of $110 and annual re-assessment. The annual renewal fee covers the cost of the annual re-evaluation.
Lifelong Skills Training
Keep up on skills training for the life of the dog in order to keep the amazing connection and bond.
Ongoing Support
Email, Zoom and guidance support is provided throughout your journey with Companion Paws.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Begin your application today for an assisted therapy dog companion
Have Questions?