Volunteer
Become part of the USA Therapy Dogs Team
Volunteer with your furry companion and make a meaningful impact with USA Therapy Dogs! Join us in spreading comfort and joy to those in need by becoming a therapy dog team. Simply review our guidelines, complete the Membership Application, and embark on a rewarding journey of compassion and companionship. Together, we can make a difference, one wagging tail at a time.
Now Enrolling for Fall 2025
Enroll Now with USA Therapy Dogs!
Are you ready to embark on a journey of compassion and connection? Join USA Therapy Dogs for a training session and become part of something truly special.
Here's why you should enroll:
Expert Guidance: Our training sessions are led by experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you and your dog become a certified therapy team.
Comprehensive Curriculum: From mastering essential skills to understanding the nuances of therapy dog work, our program covers everything you need to know to make a meaningful impact.
Hands-On Experience: Get real-world experience through fieldwork in hospitals, nursing homes, children’s centers, and more. Gain the confidence and skills needed to bring comfort and joy to those in need.
Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Connect with fellow handlers and share your experiences and insights.
Easy Enrollment: Simply visit our website, fill out the necessary forms, and submit your application. Our team will guide you through the process every step of the way.
Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact in your community. Enroll in our Training Sessions today and discover the transformative power of therapy dog work with USA Therapy Dogs.
Together, we can make a difference—one wagging tail at a time."
Class Location:
Independence Township Senior Community Center | 6000 Clarkston Rd. Clarkston, MI 48348
13 weeks total – we will meet 12 consecutive classes for instruction, Week 13 is graduation.
Mondays | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Fall 2025 Training Sessions
August 18 - November 17, 2025
Mondays | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Spring 2026 | Training Sessions
February 23 - May 18, 2026
Mondays | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Enrollment closes August 8, 2025
USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. Training Program
As part of the USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. training program, dogs and their owners focus on mastering the essential skills required to pass the prestigious A.K.C.-C.G.C. (Canine Good Citizen) and A.K.C.-C.G.C.A. (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) tests. These tests, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), are core components of our certification process and ensure that therapy dog teams are well-prepared to visit facilities, offering comfort and support to those in need.
We are proud to announce that all active trainers at USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. are official AKC Evaluators, meaning they are certified to conduct Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Advanced CGC (CGCA) tests. This ensures that every therapy dog team is trained and tested to AKC-recognized standards of obedience, behavior, and reliability.
What You Will Learn in Our 12-Week Training Program
During our 12-week training program, dogs and handlers work on mastering key skills such as:
Walking on a loose leash without pulling, even in environments with distractions.
Obeying commands like sit, down, and stay while remaining focused in busy settings.
Interacting politely with strangers, facility staff, and other dogs without aggression or fear.
Maintaining calmness and composure in public spaces such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
Why the CGC & CGCA Tests Matter
The CGC and CGCA tests are critical steps in the certification process, demonstrating that a dog is well-mannered, adaptable, and able to provide safe and reliable companionship in therapy settings. With our AKC Evaluator-led training and testing, every therapy dog team undergoes a structured assessment to ensure they meet the highest standards of behavior.
Passing the CGC and CGCA tests is required for certification, allowing handlers and their dogs to officially visit facilities as part of the USA Therapy Dog team. With our trainers’ AKC Evaluator credentials, you can trust that you and your dog will be fully prepared for this important milestone.
📢 Join the USA Therapy Dogs Training Program and Become a Certified Therapy Dog Team!
To Enroll please fill out all the application forms below.
Training Program Fees:
1 Handler/1 Dog: $250
2 Handlers/1 Dog: $350
Current Member with 1 New Dog: $150
1 New Handler with a Current Dog: $175
If a dog does not pass the C.G.C.A. test, a retake will be required to ensure the dog meets the required standards. Retake fees cover additional training and resources, helping handlers and their dogs improve their skills. The retake fees are as follows:
Retake Fee for 1 Handler/1 Dog: $200
Retake Fee for 2 Handlers/1 Dog: $300
The retake fee includes the cost of re-enrollment, extra training sessions, and time dedicated by our trainers to ensure that the handler and dog meet the necessary standards for certification. Without successfully passing the C.G.C.A. test, handlers and their dogs will not be permitted to visit facilities as an official USA Therapy Dog team.
Become a Therapy Dog Team
Thank you for your interest in joining USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. By applying, you are taking the first step toward becoming part of a compassionate team dedicated to bringing comfort, support, and joy to individuals in need through the power of therapy dogs.
Please note that not all applications are approved. Once all the required paperwork is completed and submitted, the President of USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. will carefully review your application. You will be notified whether you and your dog have been accepted into the program.
Should your application not be approved, rest assured that all payments are fully refundable. We value your interest and look forward to potentially welcoming you and your dog into our therapy dog team, where you can make a meaningful impact in your community.
When filling out the forms, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LITTLE CIRCLES, click on the titles of the forms.
-
Application Forms
-
Membership Application
The USA Therapy Dogs Membership Application Form is the official document required to apply for membership in our organization. It collects essential information about the handler and their dog, ensuring both meet the necessary criteria for therapy work. The form also initiates the evaluation process, which includes review by our President, and must be completed in full before acceptance into the program.
-
Membership Guidelines Agreement
SIGNATURE REQUIRED: The Member Guidelines Agreement outlines the expectations and standards that all prospective handlers must agree to before joining USA Therapy Dogs as a certified therapy dog team.
-
Canine Information Form
Tell Us A Little about Your Dog: Please answer honestly. Your responses are just for our information and will not exempt you from being enrolled in the program. It will be used as a guide to best train your pet for therapy work.
-
USA Therapy Dogs Pre-Screening Questionnaire
Please complete the USA Therapy Dogs Pre-Screening Questionnaire to help us assess your dog's suitability and readiness for our therapy dog certification program.
-
Photographic Release Form
SIGNATURE REQUIRED: The Photographic Release Form grants permission for USA Therapy Dogs to use images or videos of handlers and their therapy dogs for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes.
-
Veterinarian Authorization Form
The USA Therapy Dogs Inc. Veterinarian Authorization Form confirms a dog's health and up-to-date vaccinations, signed by a licensed veterinarian, to ensure fitness for therapy work. THIS EXACT FORM MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED BY VET, AND SUBMITTED.
-
Application Payment
To enroll in the USA Therapy Dogs Spring 2025 Training Program, select your handler and dog enrollment option via the Givebutter form and complete your payment. Once payment is made, be sure to fill out and upload all required forms to finalize your application. Enrollment closes on February 17, 2025.
-
Make an impact today
Support our mission by contributing a donation.