Any dog can become a certified pet therapy dog with the proper training. A calm temperament is a big plus, since the dog needs to lay quietly for up to an hour and be able to interact gently with children and seniors. Typically, to become a pet therapy dog, a dog must:

• Complete Canine Good Citizen training and receive the CGC certificate from the American Kennel Club
• Complete a pet therapy class with a qualified trainer
• Pass a test and be certified by one of the nationally-recognized pet therapy organizations