Therapy Dog Programs That Heal and Inspire
Therapy dogs that bring calm, confidence, and compassion wherever they go.
Bridging Hearts Through the Power of Dogs
Therapy dogs play an extraordinary role in bridging hearts and healing.
At Northwest Elite Working Dogs, our therapy dog program prepares gentle, people-loving dogs and handlers to work in hospitals, schools, counseling centers, nursing homes, and community outreach programs.
Each dog learns advanced obedience, social manners, and environmental neutrality — ensuring they remain calm, safe, and engaged in even the busiest public settings.
Our staff guide you through every step — from candidate selection and temperament evaluation to certification and ongoing mentorship.
Who Our Therapy Dog Program Is Perfect For
Therapy Dogs are ideal for:
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Educators and school counselors supporting student emotional well-being.
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Healthcare professionals improving patient morale and recovery.
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Non-profits and community outreach organizations enhancing engagement.
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Individuals or families seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities through animal-assisted therapy.
Every handler learns to:
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Read and respond to canine body language.
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Manage calm, professional public interactions.
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Maintain safety and etiquette during visits.
What Our Therapy Dog Training Covers
Our comprehensive curriculum includes:
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Advanced obedience and focus in high-distraction settings.
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Polite crowd behavior and calm greetings.
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Desensitization to wheelchairs, medical equipment, and environmental noises.
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Extended down-stays and patient interaction etiquette.
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Handler professionalism and visitation protocols.
All training uses positive reinforcement and real-world simulations to prepare dogs for authentic therapeutic settings.
Dog’s in this program, are ones that do not qualify for service dog work. They have all the obedience training of a service dog but, did not qualify for service work due to something like being too friendly.
Dog’s in this program are usually ready to start their new life at 1 year old.
Certification, Evaluation & Placement
Northwest Elite Working Dogs contracts with:
- School Districts and other Educational Settings
- Nursing homes, Assisted Living Communities
- Veterans Centers & Mental Health Clinics
- Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
- Courthouses, Crisis Response, & Community Programs
- First Responder / Department Chaplains and other programs
Upon completion, each team is evaluated for certification readiness and visitation approval.
We provide:
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Documentation of training hours and evaluation results
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Support for facility partnerships and volunteer program placement
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Guidance for ongoing mentorship and re-evaluation
We select the dog and the organization provides the handler. We then conduct team training for the dog and handler together.
Therapy Dog teams must take annual refresher training and provide yearly reports just like our service dog families.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs
For Facilities: Improved morale, reduced stress, and enhanced community engagement.
For Clients: Emotional grounding, increased motivation, and social connection.
For Handlers: The joy of seeing lives brighten with every visit — and the deep bond with a dog who loves to help.
“A therapy dog doesn’t just comfort one person — they lift an entire room.”
Bring Comfort and Connection to Your Community
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
Therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support to groups of people in settings such as hospitals, schools, and community centers. Service dogs are task-trained for one specific individual with a disability and have legal public-access rights under the ADA.
Do therapy dogs have public access rights?
No. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are only permitted in facilities or events where they’ve been invited or approved to visit. They do not have the same access rights as service dogs.
Can I join the program if I live outside Washington?
Yes! Northwest Elite Working Dogs offers trained therapy dogs and handler mentorship nationwide with ongoing support.
What breeds make good therapy dogs?
Calm, confident, and people-oriented dogs often make excellent therapy partners. Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and well-socialized mixed breeds are among the most successful.
How do I get started?
Begin with a consultation or online application. Our trainers will help with training, evaluation, and certification for therapy work in your community or nationwide.
Telephone No.5094819065