Become a Certified Therapy Dog Team with Project PUP

Do you and your pet have the heart to make a difference?

Project PUP therapy teams bring comfort, smiles, and companionship to people in hospitals, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, hospices, residential care centers, college campuses, airports, and more.

We are now offering a 3-week class to prepare you and your dog with the skills needed to safely and confidently visit. The class focuses on building calm, well‑mannered behavior and preparing dogs for real‑life situations they may encounter during therapy visits. During class, teams practice things like:

• Staying relaxed around new people, noises, and environments
• Greeting others politely
• Walking calmly on a leash
• Handling gentle petting, hugs, or mobility equipment
• Working as a team with their handler

The goal isn’t to teach tricks — it’s to help dogs become steady, friendly, and predictable companions who can bring comfort and connection to people in the community.

An evaluation will be conducted on the final day of the course.

Attendance is required for all three sessions.

New Year, New Therapy Dog Classes

🎉 New Year. New Training Location. New Opportunities! 🎉

We’re excited to kick off the new year in our brand-new, expanded training space!

📍 New Location: 5175 45th St N St. Petersburg, FL 33714

🐾 Sundays, 11:00 – 12:30 on

                • February 8, 2026

                • February 15, 2026

                • February 22, 2026

Must attend all 3 classes

Start the new year out right by investing in training, education, and the bond you share with your dog. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home and grow together in 2026!

👉 Spots are limited—join us and be part of an exciting new chapter.

Cost:

$100 non-refundable donation for 1 pup with 1 or 2 handlers in attendance.

$125 non-refundable donation for 2 pups which requires 2 handlers in attendance (if only one handler, the second dog will have to wait for another class).

Your donation covers the training and evaluation with Project Pup. By taking and passing the class, If you pass your evaluation, we will waive your 1st year dues. Thereafter, annual renewal dues are due on your anniversary date and are at a family household level and not dependent on number of certified dogs (currently $50, but subject to change with notice).

Minimum Qualifications

Your pet must be at least one year old.

Must have been a member of your household for a minimum of six months.

Current on all vaccinations and on flea prevention.

Has completed Basic Obedience training.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is recommended but not required.

Handlers must be 18 or older (or 16+ accompanied by a parent/guardian during class and visits).

Is Your Dog a Good Candidate for Therapy Work?

Consider the following qualities when determining if your dog is suited for therapy visits:

Calm, confident temperament: Therapy dogs should be relaxed, steady, and adaptable in a variety of environments.

Friendly and social: Dogs should enjoy meeting new people and remain gentle around both humans and other animals. Aggressive or reactive behaviors are not suitable for therapy work.

Comfortable being touched: Your dog should tolerate petting from strangers and remain composed if touched unexpectedly—such as having their ears, tail, or paws handled.

Enjoys new experiences: Therapy dogs often visit new places and meet new people. Dogs who are curious, adaptable, and confident tend to thrive in this setting.

Focus and self-control: In group settings, therapy dogs must stay attentive to their handler and remain calm around other dogs and distractions.

Next Steps

If you and your pup meet the above qualifications:

Complete the New Volunteer Application (for handlers).

Have your veterinarian complete the Health Certification Form for your pet.

Forms can be found

Email the scanned completed forms to [email protected]. Forms are due by January 28th prior to class. Please bring the original paperwork to the first class. There will be no exceptions.

In order to be evaluated, original signed forms are required.

Pay for classes here:

What Happens After Your Evaluation

Once you and your dog successfully complete the evaluation, there are several important next steps to finalize your certification and maintain an active status as a Project PUP Therapy Team:

1.Background Check and Paperwork

A background check is required for all new volunteers. Additional onboarding forms will be completed following your evaluation.

2.Health Certificate Maintenance

You are responsible for keeping a current health certificate on file with Project PUP and any facilities you visit.

Health certificates are valid for one year from the date of your veterinarian’s examination or the rabies vaccination, whichever occurs first. If you are past 3 week from the due date you will need to redo the class.

3.Annual Membership Dues

Your first year’s dues are included with your class registration. Afterward, annual dues must be paid on time to remain an active volunteer team.

4.Scheduling Visits

Certified handlers are responsible for coordinating and scheduling their own visits with approved facilities. A list of participating locations is available upon request.

5.Workplace Visits

Please note: Therapy certification through Project PUP does not authorize bringing your dog to your place of employment unless it is an approved therapy visit arranged through Project PUP.

6.Children’s Visit Restriction (First 6 Months)

For safety and experience development, new teams are limited to visits involving adults only during the first six months.

After six months of verified visit experience, you may request a re-screening to be approved for visits involving children.

7.Dress Code Requirements

All handlers must wear official Project PUP shirts during visits. Shirts will be available for purchase on the final day of class following the evaluation.

Optional therapy dog vests for your pet may also be ordered at that time.

For any questions or assistance, please contact us at [email protected].