TLC's Companion Paws (Trained) Personal Therapy Dog Adoption Process
A comprehensive 23-step journey from application to certified therapy dog partnership
Complete ApplicationComplete and Submit Application
Complete and submit the Application online with all required supporting documents together.
Schedule Initial Call
You will receive an email within 7 days from time of application, to schedule a call with our Applications Manager, to go through the program, process and the next steps to move forward.
Payment and Contract
Moving forward, the payment of $5500 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%.
Intake Call
You'll be scheduled for your intake call with one of our wonderful Companion Paws team counsellors.
Training & Adoption Manager Calls
Once the intake is complete you will be scheduled for a call with our Companion Paws Training Manager and then the Adoption Manager.
Final Approval Assessment
Within 1 weeks time from the call with our Adoption 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.
Dog Search List
Upon final approval of acceptance into the program, you will be added to the dog search list for a pre-trained dog match. Our Adoption Manager will contact you a few weeks after approval, to begin your journey in preparation for your placement.
Match Confirmation
Once a suitable match has been confirmed, we will work directly with you, to confirm suitability. They will have health and vaccinations confirmed. Dogs under 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 in preparation for your dog's placement.
Final Assessment
Just prior to the adoption placement, a final assessment will be performed for confirmation of temperament and suitability.
Placement Day
Upon confirmation and final approval of suitability, the dog will be placed in his/her new forever home.
Post-Placement Training
After settling-in time for the applicant and their new forever best friend, the handler and their new dog will be required to complete the training to teach the skills the dog has been taught and to build the wonderful bond. All these costs are covered by the Program!
Online Skills Training
Once training is complete and handler and dog are ready, the handler will be registered into TLC's Companion Paws Therapy Dog Skills Training Online Course to prepare for the evaluation for certification.
Pre-Certification Temperament Assessment
Once successfully completing TLC's Companion Paws Skills Training Online Course, the handler and dog will be scheduled for a final temperament assessment before the evaluation for certification.
Final Evaluation
When the handler and dog pass the final 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.
Follow-up Call
Complete a follow-up call with a Companion Paws team counsellor.
Regular Check-ins
Complete online follow-up form every 6 months.
Annual Requirements
Complete all annual requirements for Companion Paws Personal Therapy Dog Registration, including annual renewal of $120 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 and take the first step toward welcoming your therapy dog companion
Have Questions?