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Types of Therapy Dogs we train/provide
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Financial Breakdown
We believe therapy dog training should be transparent, individualized, and based on what each dog and handler actually needs. Because every team enters our program at a different starting point, there is not one single price that applies to every therapy dog team.
Getting Started
A $1,000 program deposit is required to secure placement and begin enrollment for:
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Owner-trained therapy dog teams
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Program-provided dogs
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Sponsored clients and sponsored placements
Handlers entering the program with their own dog must first complete a $20 temperament and program evaluation. This allows us to evaluate the dog's temperament, existing training, behavior, confidence, and suitability for therapy work while determining the appropriate starting point within our program.
Full Therapy Dog Training — Up to $5,000
A complete therapy dog training program can involve 2+ years of individualized training, volunteer skill preparation, handler education, evaluations, and continued support. For a dog beginning at or near the start of our curriculum, the full course of training may equate upwards to $5,000.
However, $5,000 is not the automatic cost for every client. Pricing can vary drastically depending on the individual dog, previous training, starting level, training still required, available sponsorships, and whether the dog is owner-provided or obtained through our program.
Dogs are not automatically required to begin at the first level. If your dog already demonstrates the skills and reliability required for portions of our curriculum, they may test into a more advanced level. You will not be charged for training levels your dog has already successfully surpassed. A dog entering with established obedience and public-access skills, for example, may have a substantially lower remaining program cost than a young prospect beginning from the foundation level.
Flexible 1–3 Year Payment Plans
We understand that professional therapy dog training is a significant financial commitment. In addition to payment in full, we offer extended payment plans ranging from 1 to 3 years to make the remaining program balance more manageable.
After the required deposit and evaluation, when applicable, the remaining balance may be divided into predictable payments based on the selected payment term.
Your actual payment will be based on your individual program cost and selected payment arrangement. If your dog enters at a higher training level or receives applicable sponsorship funding, the amount being financed may be significantly lower. The cost of a program-provided dog may also vary. Certain dogs available for placement may have partial or full sponsorships applied toward the dog's placement, training, or other program expenses. Sponsorship availability is specific to the individual dog and depends on current donations, community partnerships, available funding, and the amount of training the dog has already received. A sponsored dog does not necessarily mean every future program expense is automatically covered. Any sponsorship and the handler's remaining financial responsibility will be clearly outlined before placement and enrollment.
At a Glance
Owner-Provided Dog
$20 evaluation → $1,000 deposit → Appropriate training-level placement → Pay only for remaining required training.
Program-Provided Dog
$1,000 deposit → Individual dog/placement costs → Applicable sponsorship credited → Remaining training costs.
Sponsored Client/Dog
$1,000 deposit → Sponsorship applied → Remaining financial responsibility determined based on sponsorship and training needs.
Complete Training: A comprehensive 2+ year therapy dog training program can equate to approximately $5,000, but actual costs can vary significantly.
Payment Options: Pay in full or choose an extended 1-, 2-, or 3-year payment plan for eligible remaining program balances.
Our goal is to create a training and financial plan based on what your individual dog and partnership actually need.
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No. We do not automatically exclude dogs based on breed, size, or pedigree. Owner-provided dogs are considered individually and must successfully complete our temperament evaluation to determine their suitability for therapy work.
Absolutely. Payment plans are welcome and can be arranged throughout the program.
No. Therapy work places significant demands on a dog, and not every dog will remain suitable throughout the entire training process. We continually evaluate behavior, temperament, health, training progress, and overall welfare as dogs advance through the program.
Preferences may be considered, but placement is ultimately based on temperament, working ability, size needs, lifestyle, and compatibility with the handler. A successful match takes priority over appearance or breed preference.
No. Older dogs may enter the program as long as they are suitable for therapy work and have a reasonable potential working lifespan. Age is considered alongside health, temperament, previous training, and the handler's needs.
Potential placements involving minors are considered individually and require involvement from a parent or legal guardian. The child's needs, ability to participate, family involvement, dog management, and overall suitability of the placement are considered before acceptance.
Our Therapy Dog Program provides structured training for dogs and handlers working toward safe, reliable, and independent partnership. Training begins with foundational obedience, socialization, and appropriate behavior before progressing into advanced public access, appropriate volunteer manners, and reliable performance in everyday environments. Each level builds upon the skills developed previously, allowing teams to progress from early training through advanced therapy work and final evaluation.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and security to the public while maintaining a high standard of behavior in public. Throughout the program, handlers receive hands-on instruction in training, handling, advocacy, and maintaining their dog’s skills long-term. Teams are evaluated throughout their training to ensure both the dog and handler are prepared for the responsibilities and expectations of working together as a therapy dog team.