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Therapy Dog Team Program
Supporting Wellbeing through Animal-Assisted Therapy

Paws for Support helps clinicians, volunteers, and carers become certified therapy dog teams. Whether you're in a school, clinic, aged-care facility or offering remote support, this program guides you and your dog through a relaxed and straightforward recognition process.
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A Simple Way to Make a Lasting Impact

If you want your dog to offer comfort in health, education, or community environments, this program is for you.

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We help you prepare your dog for safe, positive therapy visits and officially recognise your team. With guidance tailored to your needs, you’ll be ready to visit schools, hospitals, aged care facilities or offer emotional support in your workplace.

Ideal for:

  • Counsellors, psychologists, and OTs
  • School staff and learning support officers
  • Clinicians and allied health workers
  • Aged-care or community volunteers
  • Retirees seeking purpose-driven connection

Prefer to check first? 

What You, Your Dog, and Program Participants Gain

We make the path to recognition clear, flexible, and supportive — no unnecessary training or jargon. You’ll receive friendly, step-by-step guidance to help your dog shine in real-world settings.

  • Backed by government-recognised assessors
  • Trusted by schools, NDIS providers, and clinics
  • Specialist knowledge in therapy dog interaction
  • Person-centred, relaxed, and accessible process
  • No extra costs unless training is needed
A cockapoo mixed breed dog, a cocker spaniel poodle cross, a family pet with brown curly coat

What’s Included in Your Therapy Dog Team Program

Two guide dogs at dog training

You’ll receive everything needed to complete your certification and feel confident using your dog in professional or volunteer care settings.

  • Suitability checklist to get started
  • Step-by-step assessment (online or in-person)
  • Printed or digital certificate + optional ID badge
  • Resources for schools, clinics & more
  • Referral to training, only if required

Simple, Supportive, and Designed for Wellness providers

We offer flexible formats to suit your schedule and learning style

How It Works — 3 Easy Steps

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Step 1: Book Your Session

Choose a date that suits you. Complete a short application and let us know your setting or goals.

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Step 2: Team Evaluation

Meet your assessor in-person or online. We’ll observe your dog and offer personalised feedback.

Two guide dogs at dog training

Step 3: Accreditation + Resources

Receive your certificate and ID. Get access to next steps and optional support materials.

Therapy Dog Team Program: Choose between online or in-person

In-Person Group Program
 $895

Held at our Cheltenham VIC facility

2 x 1.5-hour evening sessions + on-site assessment

Online Program
$895

Live Zoom call (1–1.5 hours) + video submission

Access to our step-by-step instructional library

Volunteer Program
$495

Tailored for those preparing for aged care or hospital visits

Available online or in person

Pre-Assessment

No Cost, All Welcome

We offer free 15–20 minute suitability sessions, Designed to assess temperament and school compatibility before you commit

In person
 Cheltenham (VIC)

Held at our Cheltenham VIC facility

Available Thursday evenings or Saturdays

Virtual

Live Zoom session (1–1.5 hours) with our trainer

Submit video assessments for review. Includes access to our step-by-step video guides

Clearing Up Myths About Therapy Animals and Training Programs

lara freney animal assisted therapy dog handler
I just got my 7 year old golden retriever, Archie, accredited as a Therapy Dog, and we are beyond impressed...
Lara Freney
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ashley ogilvie therapy dog team participant
Bowie my now therapy dog attends psychotherapy sessions along side me... Thank you Alan, your support has been excellent.
Ashley Ogilvie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes, if your dog is well-behaved, calm, and enjoys human interaction, we can assess and certify your team.

Not always. Many dogs naturally meet the requirements. We only recommend training if it's needed.

 Absolutely,  we offer virtual assessments and video submission options Australia-wide.

 We’ll give you detailed feedback and support you to come back stronger. Many teams pass after a little guidance.

Yes,  we provide the documentation and guidance to help you implement safely and confidently.

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shih tzu dog
Jack russel
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Jack russel
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Start Your
Therapy Dog Team Certification

Hundreds of handlers across Australia have joined this journey - creating real impact in schools, clinics, aged care and beyond. You can too.

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At Paws for Support, our mission is to provide friendly and comprehensive training and certification for Therapy, Well Being and Companion Dogs

Contact Us

For a comprehensive breakdown of the assessments or more details please contact Alan
Ph 0411 705 686 admin@pawsforsupport.com.au
Location Cheltenham
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Book your pre-assessment

Pre-Assessments are held, every Tuesday and Thursday.
Tuesday, 12th August
Thursday, 14th August

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admin@pawsforsupport.com.au 0411 705 686