Since the 1980’s, there have been significant advances in the field of animal assisted therapy and the use of therapy dogs. Organized therapy dog groups provide educational material to volunteers, they screen both volunteers and dogs, and they provide liability insurance for when the dog and handler are volunteering in a therapy setting. Therapy dog certification organizations are the experts in this field. It is their dedication that has organized and advanced the work of therapy dogs and their efforts should be acknowledged and appreciated. The following certification organizations are recognized by the AKC. A dog must be certified by one of these organizations to be eligible to receive the AKC Therapy Dog title. The public should be aware that there are unauthorized organizations purporting to certify dogs as Therapy Dogs/Service Dogs/Emotional Support Dogs. Legitimately trained dogs have often spent years preparing to perform the tasks they are intended to do. AKC would like to thank the following national therapy dog registration/certification organizations for their assistance during the launching of the AKC Therapy Dog title: Alliance of Therapy Dogs (formerly Therapy Dogs, Inc.) Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Love on a Leash Pet Partners (previously Delta Society) Therapy Dogs Incorporated (TD Inc.) – new name is Alliance of Therapy Dogs Therapy Dogs International
