Do you think that you and your pet could make a difference as a pet therapy team? Our teams visit a variety of locations including hospitals, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, residential care facilities, hospices, college campuses, airport and more.

We are now offering a 3-week class to prepare you for Therapy Dog visits with your pup with an evaluation on the last day. This course equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to form a certified Therapy Dog team with your canine companion. As part of the program, you’ll undergo one evaluation toward earning your official Therapy Dog certification. Attendance is required for all 3 weeks.

When: Sunday, July 27, August 3rd and August 10th

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Downtown Clearwater, 33755
Cost:

• $75 for 1 pup with 1 or 2 handlers in attendance.
• $100 for 2 pups which requires 2 handlers in attendance (if only one handler, the second dog will have to wait for another class).
• Includes the training, evaluation with Project Pup and your 1st year dues. Thereafter, annual renewal dues are at a family household level and not dependent on number of certified dogs (currently $50 in 2025).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Your pet must be at least 1 year old.
• A member of your family for at least 6 months.
• Up-to-date on appropriate vaccines and on flea prevention.
• Has completed Basic Obedience.
• Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is desired, but not required.
• Handlers must be 18 or older (16+ with parent or guardian present during class and on the visits)

Consider the following about your dog to determine if they’re a good candidate:

• Does your dog have the right temperament for pet therapy? The temperament of a dog is a critical factor in determining if it is suitable for pet therapy. Therapy dogs are expected to be calm, mellow, and confident, which are essential for interacting with people in various settings.
• Is your dog friendly and outgoing? These traits not only make dogs great companions but also provide comfort to those around them, as they thrive on interaction and socializing. Your pet cannot be aggressive towards other animals or people.
• Do they enjoy being touched and pet by those unfamiliar to them? Some dogs love the attention from others and will allow anyone to pet them. Others prefer only their people. Your dog should allow others to pet them and not be reactive or startle easily. Your dog should allow others to pulling on their ears and tail as well as play their snoot or paws. You never know where someone will touch.
• Do they enjoy visiting new places and meeting new people? Just like people, dogs have their own personalities, and some thrive on new adventures while others prefer familiar comforts. If your dog loves exploring, meeting new people, and adapting to different environments, outings to various locations could be an enriching experience. But if they tend to be timid or anxious in unfamiliar settings, a routine and predictable environment may help them feel more secure. It’s all about recognizing their comfort level and ensuring they feel safe and happy in any situation. Have you noticed how your dog responds to new environments?
• Can they focus and ignore other dogs when in a group setting? This is imperative as the dogs should follow your guidance and direction to stay on task during a visit. Your dogs self-control will be needed on visits. If your pup meets the requirements above requirements here’s what you need to do:

What’s next? If your pup meets the above requirements here’s what you need to do:

• Complete the New Volunteer Package for both yourself and the Health Certification for your pup signed by your vet. It can be found here:

• Email the scanned completed forms to [email protected]. Please bring the original paperwork to the first class.
• In order to be evaluated, complete and approved paperwork must be received by the first class. Original signed forms are required.
• Pay for the class here:

• After payment is received, you will receive confirmation for the class along with the address and what to bring with you.

What happens post evaluation?

• A background check will be required and additional paperwork will be completed.
• You will be responsible for keeping a current health certificate on file with Project Pup and anywhere that you visit.
• Health certificates are valid for a maximum of one year from the veterinarian evaluation or the rabies vaccination whichever comes first.
• You will be responsible for paying the annual dues on time. Your first year was included with the class.
• You will be responsible for scheduling your visits with facilities.
• Becoming a therapy team does not cover taking your pup to work with you.
• Your visits for the first 6-months are limited to adults and you’re not permitted to go on visits with children. You may be re-screened after 6-months of verifiable visits and experience to do visits with children.
• You must adhere to the Dress Code. Project Pup shirts are required and will be available on the last day of class post screening. Vests can be ordered as well for the pups.

If you have any questions please contact [email protected].