Frequently Asked Questions about TLC’s Certify Your Own Dog Program

What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Animal-Assisted Therapy involves incorporating animals into treatment programs to benefit individuals in need. Our Companion Paws program includes three types of therapy dogs: Personal Therapy Dogs, Assisted Therapy Dogs, and Visiting Therapy Dogs. These dogs are friendly, patient, confident, and comfortable in various environments.

What is a Personal Therapy Dog?

A Personal Therapy Dog is a trained, evaluated, and certified dog that provides comfort and support to its owner, particularly individuals struggling with mental health conditions.

To qualify for Personal Therapy Dog certification, you must provide:

A letter from your current mental health professional (on official letterhead) stating your name, the date, and the reason a therapy dog would benefit you.

What is a Visiting Therapy Dog?

Visiting Therapy Dogs provide emotional support in hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes, and similar environments. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with multiple people while on duty.

What is an Assisted Therapy Dog?

Assisted Therapy Dogs accompany their owners—who are typically educators, teachers, psychologists, counselors, or doctors—to their workplaces, helping support students, clients, or patients.

What are the Benefits of a Therapy Dog?

Therapy Dogs are trained in obedience and provide therapeutic, motivational, educational, and recreational benefits. They support individuals facing a range of mental and emotional challenges, including:

Stress and anxiety
Depression
Personality disorders
Social anxiety and more

Is this the only program in Canada that certifies Personal and Assisted Therapy Dogs?

Yes, The LifeLine Canada Foundation’s Companion Paws program is the first and only program of its kind in Canada.

Do I need a letter from a mental health professional for a Personal Therapy Dog certification?

Yes. The letter must be:

From a registered and licensed mental health professional (psychologist, psychotherapist, counselor, etc.).
On official letterhead, including contact details, license/registration number, and a clear recommendation stating the need for a therapy dog.

What makes a good Therapy Dog?

A suitable therapy dog should have the following qualities:

Calm temperament
Well-trained
Friendly and social (good with people of all ages)
Non-aggressive (toward people or other dogs)
Clean and healthy (with up-to-date vaccinations)
Spayed/neutered
At least 1.5 years old (no upper age limit)

Does my dog need special training to become a Therapy Dog?

No specialized training is required before applying. However, your dog must be fully trained in basic and advanced obedience—whether self-trained or trained by a professional.

Are there any restrictions on breed, size, sex, or age?

No, there are no breed, size, or sex restrictions. The only requirement is that your dog must be at least 1.5 years old to register.

Do you offer training for Therapy Dogs?

We provide complete training only for dogs adopted through the Companion Paws Adoption Program.

For individuals with their own dog who require training before certification, we can recommend experienced trainers in your area. Visit our Therapy Dog Training page for details.

Can I retake a Temperament Assessment or Final Evaluation?

Yes. Retakes are allowed, and each retake costs $75.

Are Final Evaluations available across Canada?

Yes. We offer scheduled temperament assessments and evaluations in multiple locations across Canada. If your city is not listed, email administrator@companionpaws.ca with your city, province, and designation interest, or check our website for updates.

What are the costs of the Companion Paws Therapy Dog Program?

Step 1: First Temperament Assessment – $75.00

Steps 2, 3, and 4 – $290 (Includes Skills Training Online Course, Temperament Assessment, and Final Evaluation for Certification)

What does the Final Evaluation include?

The Final Evaluation consists of 17+ tests, all of which must be passed with 100% accuracy.

The key evaluation areas include:

Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Sitting Politely for Petting
Walking on a Leash
Walking Through a Crowd
Sit & Down on Command
Coming When Called
Reaction to Another Dog
Reaction to Distractions (x2)
Reaction to Medical Equipment (x2)
“Leave It” Command (x2)
No Food Aggression
Supervised Separation (1 minute)
“Say Hello”
Grooming & Appearance

Is there a timeframe for completing the Companion Paws certification?

Yes. Certification must be completed within 4 to 6 months after passing the first Temperament Assessment.

If Companion Paws does not schedule testing within that timeframe, your deadline will be extended until an available date is confirmed. Retake assessments or evaluations may also extend the timeframe upon approval.

How long does it take to receive my ID card, certificate, and bandana?

Once we receive all required paperwork, your package—including your ID card, certificate of registration, and bandana—will be mailed within approximately 45 days.

If you require a Letter of Certification, you must request one, and it will be emailed to you.

How does Companion Paws compare to other organizations?

Companion Paws has developed the highest standards of testing available for therapy dog certification.

Are Certified Companion Paws Therapy Dogs covered by insurance?

Yes. Certified Assisted and Visiting Therapy Dog teams are covered by $5,000,000 in general liability insurance while working.

If you need a copy of the Certificate of Insurance, you must request it directly from Companion Paws, as it is not automatically included in your certification package.

What legal protections do Therapy Dogs and handlers have?

Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do not have public access rights and may be denied entry into public spaces, transportation, or pet-restricted housing. Click here to read the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs.

Why haven’t I heard of the Companion Paws program before?

Companion Paws was founded in 2015 and is the first program in Canada to certify Personal and Assisted Therapy Dogs.

Are there annual fees for Companion Paws Therapy Dogs?

Yes. There is a $110 annual registration fee, which includes an annual re-evaluation and updated Id card to maintain certification.

Do I need to retake an evaluation over time?

Yes. Certified Therapy Dog Teams must undergo annual re-evaluations to maintain their certification. If concerns arise, we may request an additional assessment at our discretion.

Where can I find a list of evaluation locations in Canada?

Click here for an updated list of evaluation locations.

How can I contact you for more information?

For any additional questions, please contact us at administrator@companionpaws.ca. We’re happy to help!