');--success-svg-icon:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8, ');--info-svg-icon:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8, ');--chevron-svg-icon:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8, ');--checkbox-svg-icon:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8, ');--radiobutton-svg-icon:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8, ');--show-password-svg-icon:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8, ');--hide-password-svg-icon:url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8, ');--error-svg-icon-color:var(--red-500);--success-svg-icon-color:var(--emerald-700);--info-svg-icon-color:var(--sky-500);--chevron-svg-icon-color:var(--grey-900);--checkbox-svg-icon-color:var(--grey-900);--radiobutton-svg-icon-color:var(--grey-900);--show-password-svg-icon-color:var(--grey-900);--hide-password-svg-icon-color:var(--grey-900);--bde-woo-notices__icon-size:16px;--bde-woo-notices__padding:24px;--bde-woo-notices__border-radius:4px;--bde-woo-notices__error-background:var(--red-50);--bde-woo-notices__error-text:var(--red-500);--bde-woo-notices__error-link-text:var(--red-500);--bde-woo-notices__error-link-text-hover:var(--red-500);--bde-woo-notices__info-background:var(--sky-100);--bde-woo-notices__info-text:var(--sky-500);--bde-woo-notices__info-link-text:var(--sky-500);--bde-woo-notices__info-link-text-hover:var(--sky-500);--bde-woo-notices__success-background:var(--emerald-100);--bde-woo-notices__success-text:var(--emerald-700);--bde-woo-notices__success-link-text:var(--emerald-700);--bde-woo-notices__success-link-text-hover:var(--emerald-700);--bde-woo-sale-badge__border-radius:2px;--bde-woo-sale-badge__padding:4px 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Skip to main content 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.
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.
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
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
What’s Included in Your Therapy Dog Team Program
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
Step 1: Book Your Session
Choose a date that suits you. Complete a short application and let us know your setting or goals.
Step 2: Team Evaluation
Meet your assessor in-person or online. We’ll observe your dog and offer personalised feedback.
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
I just got my 7 year old golden retriever, Archie, accredited as a Therapy Dog, and we are beyond impressed...
Lara Freney
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bowie my now therapy dog attends psychotherapy sessions along side me... Thank you Alan, your support has been excellent.
Ashley Ogilvie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can I use my own dog in my clinical setting?
Yes, if your dog is well-behaved, calm, and enjoys human interaction, we can assess and certify your team.
Does my dog need to be professionally trained?
Not always. Many dogs naturally meet the requirements. We only recommend training if it's needed.
Can I get certified remotely?
Absolutely, we offer virtual assessments and video submission options Australia-wide.
What if my dog doesn’t meet the criteria?
We’ll give you detailed feedback and support you to come back stronger. Many teams pass after a little guidance.
Is this accepted by schools and aged-care Facilities?
Yes, we provide the documentation and guidance to help you implement safely and confidently.
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.
to see if you and your dog are ready.
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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
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