Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a non-profit organization that certifies therapy dogs and their handlers to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities where people may benefit from interaction with a friendly canine companion. Founded in 1976, TDI has grown to become one of the largest and most respected therapy dog organizations in the world, with over 25,000 certified therapy dog teams. The organization's mission is to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to people in need, while also promoting the human-animal bond and the importance of animal-assisted therapy.
TDI's certification process is rigorous and ensures that only dogs that are well-behaved, well-trained, and well-socialized are certified as therapy dogs. To become certified, a dog and its handler must pass a series of evaluations, including a temperament test, a basic obedience test, and a series of visits to a facility where the dog will be interacting with people. This process helps to ensure that TDI-certified therapy dogs are not only friendly and affectionate but also well-behaved and respectful of people's boundaries.
Key Points
- Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a non-profit organization that certifies therapy dogs and their handlers.
- TDI has over 25,000 certified therapy dog teams and is one of the largest and most respected therapy dog organizations in the world.
- The organization's mission is to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to people in need.
- TDI's certification process is rigorous and ensures that only well-behaved, well-trained, and well-socialized dogs are certified as therapy dogs.
- TDI-certified therapy dogs visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities where people may benefit from interaction with a friendly canine companion.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs
Research has shown that interacting with therapy dogs can have a range of benefits for people, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and increased social interaction. Therapy dogs can also provide comfort and emotional support to people who are experiencing difficult life events, such as illness, injury, or loss. In addition, therapy dogs can help to promote social skills and empathy in children, and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for their handlers.
One of the unique aspects of TDI's program is the emphasis on the human-animal bond. TDI recognizes that the bond between a dog and its handler is a powerful tool for healing and connection, and that this bond can be used to bring people together and promote a sense of community. By certifying therapy dogs and their handlers, TDI is helping to facilitate this bond and promote the use of animal-assisted therapy as a tool for improving people's lives.
Therapy Dog Teams in Action
TDI-certified therapy dog teams can be found in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and nursing homes to schools and libraries. These teams are made up of a dog and its handler, who work together to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to people in need. Therapy dog teams may visit with patients in hospitals, read with children in schools, or provide comfort to people in crisis situations.
| Setting | Number of Visits |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | 10,000+ |
| Nursing Homes | 5,000+ |
| Schools | 3,000+ |
| Libraries | 2,000+ |
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in getting involved with TDI, there are several ways to do so. One option is to become a certified therapy dog handler, which involves passing a series of evaluations with your dog. Another option is to volunteer with TDI, which can involve helping to organize events, providing administrative support, or assisting with fundraising efforts.
TDI also offers a range of resources and support for its certified therapy dog teams, including training and education programs, liability insurance, and access to a network of other therapy dog handlers. By providing these resources, TDI is helping to ensure that its certified therapy dog teams are able to provide the best possible care and support to people in need.
TDI’s Impact
TDI’s impact can be seen in the thousands of people who are touched by its certified therapy dog teams every year. From providing comfort to patients in hospitals to helping children learn to read, TDI’s therapy dog teams are making a real difference in people’s lives. By promoting the human-animal bond and the importance of animal-assisted therapy, TDI is helping to create a more compassionate and supportive society.
What is Therapy Dogs International?
+Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a non-profit organization that certifies therapy dogs and their handlers to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities where people may benefit from interaction with a friendly canine companion.
How do I become a certified therapy dog handler?
+To become a certified therapy dog handler, you and your dog must pass a series of evaluations, including a temperament test, a basic obedience test, and a series of visits to a facility where the dog will be interacting with people.
What are the benefits of interacting with therapy dogs?
+Research has shown that interacting with therapy dogs can have a range of benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and increased social interaction.
