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By Savannah Admire

Jimena Roquero / Stocksy
If you’ve spent much time with a dog, you likely already know how soothing their presence can be. Research has shown that animals can have a therapeutic effect on people who are stressed, anxious, or suffering from conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy dogs are dogs who are trained to provide comfort and support to people in need and have become common volunteer workers in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, care facilities, and even disaster areas.

If you are a good fit for a therapy dog and are willing to make the commitment, then adopting a therapy dog or training your dog to provide care and comfort to people who most need it can be a very rewarding experience. Learn all about therapy dog requirements — including that they must be up-to-date on their vaccinations and have a clean bill of health — and how to get a therapy dog of your own.

What is a therapy dog?

Therapy dogs work in a variety of facilities to help people deal with stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. While these canines don’t go through the strict training required for service dogs, they still need to possess a calm temperament and respond well to commands from their human handler.

Unlike service dogs and emotional support animals, which are assigned to a specific individual, therapy dogs can provide emotional support to anyone. They often visit locations on a volunteer basis to offer a soft head to pet and some understanding snuggles. You may have seen a therapy dog visiting a retirement home or hospital, but they also offer relief to stressed-out students in colleges, universities, and elementary schools and may even support athletes at sporting events and competitions.

“There can be a lot of pressure that athletes put on themselves, so just to be able to see that friendly face and pet a dog, it’s great therapy for anyone,” Tracey Callahan Molnar, therapy dog handler and part of USA Gymnastics’ new pet therapy program, says.

How to adopt a therapy dog

Step 1: Adopt

If you want to start the adoption process for a therapy dog, the best place to begin is by searching online dog adoption listings or visiting your local shelters and rescue organizations. Unlike service dogs, you don’t have to worry about how to apply for a therapy dog. You’re just looking for a dog with the right temperament to be a therapy dog, which depends less on the breed and more on the canine’s individual personality.

Spend some time visiting potential therapy dogs at your local shelter, playing with them, and observing their behavior. While an overly energetic dog may be a bit too rough to work with patients, a calm and friendly pup could make for the perfect therapy dog. If you feel happier spending time with a dog, there’s a good chance that they can cheer up others, too.

Step 2: Train

The sooner you can start training a future therapy dog, the better. But how are therapy dogs trained? You can purchase online training courses, but you will likely still want to consult a professional dog trainer to learn the best methods and practices. The goal of training is to make sure your dog demonstrates positive behaviors, like patience with strangers, and avoids negative ones, like jumping and barking excessively.

If you feel overwhelmed trying to handle training on your own, consider enrolling your dog in training group classes or working one-on-one with a professional trainer specializing in therapy dogs.

Step 3: Register

Once you feel your dog is ready to volunteer as a therapy dog, register your pet with a reputable organization. You will need to gather documentation from your veterinarian showing that your dog is healthy and up to date on all vaccinations.

There are a number of therapy dog organizations in the U.S., and you can find recommendations on the American Kennel Club (AKC) website. In most cases, your dog will have to pass a certification test, which is your opportunity to demonstrate that they have all the right qualities for therapy work. If your dog doesn’t pass, the organization will likely ask you to continue training until they meet the requirements.

Requirements for a therapy dog

Each therapy dog certification board has its own specific requirements in place, but in general, your dog should meet the following conditions to be certified:

• Be at least one year old
• Have a current rabies vaccination
• Have a clean bill of health from a vet within the last 12 months
• Be up to date on all core vaccinations
• Respond to and obey commands

The AKC also recommends that a therapy dog pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test before registration. This test focuses on ten core behaviors that your dog should be able to perform:

• Accept the approach of a friendly stranger
• Sit politely for petting
• Allow someone to touch and examine their ears and front feet
• Walk on a loose lead
• Walk through a crowd of people
• Sit and lie down on command and stay in place
• Come when called
• React appropriately and calmly to another dog
• React calmly to any distractions
• Supervised separation (show no anxiety when left with another person)

Qualities that a therapy dog should have

Before you worry about passing an exam for registration, make sure your pet has all the qualifications for a therapy dog. In addition to having a calm temperament, your dog should also be gentle and respond quickly to commands. Dogs who are overly energetic or easily startled don’t make for good therapy dogs, nor do dogs who become anxious around strangers or large groups of people.

Here are a few more qualities to look for in a potential therapy dog:

• They enjoy being touched and petted
• They’re outgoing and friendly
• They don’t shed excessively (you don’t want to give clinic staff a mess to clean up)
• They don’t react aggressively to mishandling
• They’re able to adapt to their environment

Cost of a therapy dog

How much is a therapy dog? In addition to the adoption fee, the cost can vary widely depending on how you plan to train your dog. If you work with a professional trainer, you can expect to spend a significant amount on classes, whereas if you choose to train a dog yourself, all you really have to worry about is the cost of an adoption fee and dog supplies.

You can even purchase a fully-trained therapy dog, but this route can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Research trained therapy dogs for adoption, or talk to your vet about finding a fully-trained therapy dog.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Can I adopt a dog and train them for therapy work myself?

Therapy dog training is accessible online, and many pet parents train their dogs on their own. Doing so can help you and your dog form a stronger bond, which is essential in therapy settings.

Can any breed become a therapy dog?

If a dog has the proper temperament, they can be trained to be a therapy dog. Many rescue dogs are excellent comforters for those in need of animal-assisted therapy.

Are there age restrictions for therapy dogs?

Your dog cannot be registered as a therapy dog until they’re at least one year old, but there is no age limit on therapy dogs. In fact, senior dogs often have the ideal calm temperament for therapy dogs.

References

Current Perspectives on Therapy Dog Welfare in Animal-Assisted Interventions

Physiological and behavioral effects of animal-assisted interventions on therapy dogs in pediatric oncology settings

AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organizations

What is Canine Good Citizen (CGC)?

Take it from the experts, a pet can change your life

USA Gymnastics using pet therapy to support athletes

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

By Savannah Admire

Alvaro Lavin / Stocksy
Pet adoption transport is the process of moving adoptable pets from shelters in areas with high pet overpopulation to sites with a demand for pets. This process allows overpopulated shelters in other regions of the country, such as the South and Midwest, to send adoptable animals to shelters with a high demand for — and low supply of — pets. Pet adoption transport organizations provide transportation by air, ground, or rail and offer food and medical care for pets during transport. Pet transport ultimately ensures that as many animals find forever homes as possible.

Why is pet adoption transport important?

Shelters and rescue organizations that take advantage of pet express transport services can ensure that animals have the best chance for adoption. By transporting animals in need to other parts of the country for rescue, overpopulated shelters can help reduce the number of at-risk animals in their facilities. This, in turn, allows these organizations to direct more resources to the pets still in their shelter.

On the flip side, rescues that receive transported adoptable animals can increase the variety of pets available for potential adopters and encourage visitors to their facilities by promoting their expanded animal availability. With more pets and visitor traffic, these organizations can also draw in more resources, allowing them to make a bigger impact on their community and serve more people and animals.

Most importantly, pet adoption transport reduces the risk of euthanasia due to shelter overpopulation and limited resources, saving lives and helping adoptable pets find much-needed homes.

How does pet adoption transport work?

Rescue and shelter volunteers often play a significant role in transporting pets across state lines to other organizations — and the animals’ future homes. How to move pets across the country varies depending on the program, but the process usually involves driving animals to another shelter in a vehicle designed for this purpose, with properly spaced and secured kennels. In some cases, pets may also travel via air if the funds are available. If you’ve ever researched how to fly a dog across the country, you know how challenging the logistics can be.

Before any animal is transported to a new location, they should be thoroughly screened for any infectious diseases or aggressive behavior to limit the possibility of spreading illness or causing injury to themselves or other animals in the vehicle.

What are the types of pet adoption transport?

There are several types of pet adoption transport, but the most common is shelter-to-shelter relocation. Rescue organizations with overcrowded facilities communicate with shelters with a high demand for adoptable animals and organize pet transport to free up space and help more pets find loving homes.

Individual volunteers or grassroots organizations may organize more informal pet adoption transport. These people may not be specifically associated with any shelter but help to transport pets, some of whom may already have adoptive families waiting for them in another location. Ideally, these individuals know how to transport a dog across the country safely and bring them to their new family.

If you’re interested in relocating a pet, be wary of commercial pet adoption transport operations. Some individuals offer to transport pets for adoption solely for profit, so make sure to research any pet transport service and go through a legitimate shelter or rescue organization whenever possible.

How much do pet transport services cost?

In most cases, the pet transport service price is covered by the shelter or rescue organization that plans the transport. The rescue may even add the cost of transportation to the adoption fee to help cover costs and ensure that they can continue to care for animals in need. If you plan to adopt a pet who will have to be transported to your location, clarify with the shelter or rescue whether you need to pay for transport.

What should you consider when choosing a pet adoption transport service?

While transporting pets for adoption can be a life-saving endeavor, it’s important that the animals are moved safely and that their needs are met as they’re transported. If you decide to adopt a pet that must be transported to your location, make sure to ask about:

• How often pets will be examined for signs of stress or sickness (every two to four hours is best practice)
• How pets will be housed while in the vehicle
• Whether pets have plenty of space to be comfortable — they should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down
• The established process for emergencies during transport

The best way to transport a pet across the country is to ensure they are comfortable and have regular breaks to go outside, stretch their legs, and access water. Before finalizing a pet adoption that requires transport, don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions to make sure your new pet will be safe, secure, and cared for throughout their journey to you.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Who is involved in pet adoption transport?

Shelters or rescues usually organize pet adoption transport, and will sometimes call on their volunteers to help move animals to other states where they can be adopted.

Are there risks associated with pet adoption transport?

Traveling can be stressful, making animals more vulnerable to illness or infection (there is a risk of spreading infectious diseases) or heightening behavioral issues.

Is pet adoption transport regulated?

Pet adoption transport is not regulated, so it’s critical that organizers ensure that animals are properly secured and monitored throughout their journey.

Can I adopt a pet through pet adoption transport?

When you apply to adopt online, the pet may be in another state and must be transported to you. The shelter or rescue organization may include the pet transport cost in your adoption fee, or you may have to pay an additional fee to cover it.

References

Mixed Methods Study Examining Organizational and Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Management of Pet Populations in Shelters

Pet transportation by air: a study of customer experiences and expectations using AVIH services

Relocation of dogs and cats for pet adoption in the United States

ASPCA Animal Relocation

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

Ivan Ozerov / Stocksy
If you’re a cat parent who is considering bringing a new kitten into the home, or if you’ve already adopted one, you’re likely wondering how best to introduce your resident cat to their new family member. Introducing a new kitten to a resident cat can be challenging, and, depending on the cats’ ages and personalities, it may take days or months to do so successfully. However, it’s important to introduce cats slowly and carefully to prevent aggression or fighting.

Below are some guidelines and helpful tips to get your new feline family members off to a good start and hopefully on their way to becoming best buddies for the rest of their lives.

How to choose a new kitten to bring home

If you have yet to adopt a new kitten, keep in mind that most cat experts recommend introducing a new cat who matches the resident cat’s energy level, size, and personality. Bringing home a kitten if you have a senior or low-key adult cat can be like asking a grandparent to babysit a toddler 24/7: The kitten will be sad not having a playmate, and the older cat will be stressed by the kitten asking to play constantly.

In fact, kittens are much happier in pairs, so if you’re set on adopting a kitten, consider adopting two. It may seem overwhelming, but it could actually be the best solution for everyone, as the kittens will play with each other and leave your adult cat to do their own thing. Adopting two kittens will also help them avoid Single Kitten Syndrome.

Some cat experts also believe that gender plays a small role in how two cats will get along and suggest two males or a male/female match work best. Neutering and spaying all cats, ideally two to four weeks before the introduction, is also essential so they are fully recovered.

No matter which new kitten or cat you bring home, though, it’s important to follow the steps below to successfully introduce them to your resident cat.

How to introduce a new cat to your cat

Step One: Isolation

Confine the new cat to one room with a litter box, food, water, and a bed. Feed your current cat(s) and the newcomer on either side of the door to this room. Don’t put the food so close to the door that the cats are too upset by each other to eat. This will help to start things out on the right foot by associating something enjoyable (eating) with each others’ presence. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the cats can eat calmly directly on either side.

You can also consider using the crate method, which essentially replaces a separate room with a very large crate, which is especially helpful if you live in a space that does not have an adequate separate room.

If you have adopted the new cat from an environment where they could have been exposed to illnesses, such as a shelter or the street, follow your vet’s recommendations for the duration of this isolation. Often your vet will test for FeLV and FIV and then recommend isolation for seven to 10 days. That may seem like a long time, but it will not only keep your resident cat healthy but also give your new cat a chance to get adjusted to their environment’s sounds and smells, improving the chances that the first face-to-face introduction with your resident cat(s) will go well.

Step Two: Scent / sign intro

After your new cat’s isolation period is over, and you’re sure your new cat is healthy, you can take the following steps. Advance to the next step only after all cats are okay with each other during each step.

1. Switch sleeping blankets between the new cat and resident cat(s) so they can become accustomed to each other’s scent. Also, put the scented blankets underneath the food dishes.
2. Use two doorstops to prop open the door just enough to allow the cats to see each other but not get out and repeat the feeding process.
3. Put the new cat in a secure cat carrier, and open the door so the resident cat can come in and sniff around the new cat’s room while the cat is in the carrier.
4. Confine resident cats in another room and let the new cat explore the rest of the house. This switch also allows the cats to experience each other’s scent without a face-to-face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with their new surroundings without being frightened by other animals.

Step Three: First meeting

Open the isolation room door, let your resident cat enter, and calmly observe. Playing calming music or talking in a calm, friendly voice to the cats may help you feel less stressed, which will help the cats, too. If your cats like treats, give them lots of treats along with verbal praise. Some cats do best if distracted with their favorite toys, so they are not focusing too intently on each other.

When the cats are together, keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

• Hissing, puffy tails, and growling: A little bit of this behavior is normal but should be minimal if you have taken the time to follow the steps above. Don’t give your cats the opportunity to intensify; you are trying to avoid the cats associating each other’s presence with fearful or aggressive behavior. A bad first impression can be difficult to change.
• Fearful or aggressive reactions: If either cat escalates their behavior to constant hissing or growling, or if there is any stalking (like they are hunting prey), cornering, swatting, or big posturing displays of arched backs and fur puffed out, separate the cats back into their own spaces immediately. If it was just a hissing match, wait a few hours and try another face-to-face meeting for a few minutes. If the aggression seemed serious, you may have to take a step or two back in the introduction process.

If the meeting is going well, let the cats spend up to 10 minutes together (although less time is fine, too). Then separate them back into their own spaces. Letting them stay if it is going well can be tempting, but it is much better not to push it and have the first meeting end badly.

Laura Stolfi / Stocksy

How can I prevent aggressive behavior during introductions?

The above process of slowly introducing your resident cat to a new cat will do a lot to help reduce aggression. When you reach the step of a face-to-face introduction, you may want to have a water squirt bottle in one hand and a blanket in the other in case you need to intervene in a sudden attack. Supervise their interactions closely at all times, and be patient. It may take some time for the two cats to become friends, but most cats can learn to live together peacefully with time and patience.

Step Four: Slowly increase time together

If your cats successfully spend up to 10 minutes together, you can increase their time together. For example, your sessions might increase to two sessions of 10 minutes each on day two.

Continue to observe your cats vigilantly, however, because sometimes a meeting will seem to be going well, and then there’s a spat. If a small spat occurs between the cats, do not attempt to physically intervene; cats can make lots of noise and roll around quite dramatically without either cat being injured. Instead, use a spray bottle to squirt water on the cats to separate them. If that doesn’t do it, try tossing a blanket over one of them and quickly corralling the other cat out of the room. Give them both a chance to calm down for a day or more before re-introducing them to each other.

When can I consider the introduction process successful?

You can consider the introduction process successful when you observe signs showing that the cats are getting along, such as greeting each other by sniffing or touching noses, headbutting or rubbing against each other, grooming each other, and, of course, snuggling and sleeping together.

More new cat tips

Once you’ve made it through the introduction process, there are still some things you can do to ensure your cats continue to get along, including:

• Keep the second litter box in the isolation room even after the cats are out together. Make sure that none of the cats are being “ambushed” by another while trying to use the litter box.
• If you want to move the second litter box, do so gradually, a few feet at a time, to the new location.
• Clean all litter boxes more frequently.
• Increase the amount of playtime and exercise both cats are getting to help expend their energy and keep them calm.
• Keep the resident cat’s schedule as close as possible to what it was before the newcomer’s appearance.
• Try using calming products to help de-stress cats who exhibit signs of stress.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

How long should I wait to introduce my cat to a new kitten?

Depending on the cats’ ages and personalities, it may take days or months to introduce a new kitten to a resident cat. Follow the above steps for a slow introduction.

What if the cats still aren’t getting along after extended efforts?

Consult a veterinarian and/or a certified cat behaviorist. If the issue truly cannot be resolved, you might consider rehoming your cat via Rehome by Adopt a Pet.

What are the warning signs when introducing cats?

Warning signs when introducing cats include hissing, puffy tails, and growling. A little of this behavior is okay, but if it escalates to constant hissing or growling, or if there is any stalking (like they are hunting prey), cornering, swatting, or big posturing displays of arched backs and fur puffed out, the cats should be separated.

References

How Should I Introduce a New Cat or Kitten to My Existing Cat

Cat to Cat Introductions

ZQZ Studio / Stocksy
One of the top reasons shelters are given by those who surrender their pets is that they are moving to a place that does not allow pets or due to a landlord’s pet restrictions. It’s true that finding a rental apartment or house when you have pets can take extra time, patience, flexibility, and effort, but isn’t keeping your pets worth it?

With some extra knowledge about how to find a pet-friendly rental or negotiate with your landlord, there’s no reason you can’t find a suitable place to live and keep your pet by your side. Here are some tips for finding your ideal pet-friendly rental so you and your furry family can stay together.

Plan ahead

While sometimes life catches us by surprise with a sudden relocation, the more time you have to plan, the more likely you’ll be able to find your ideal pet-friendly rental. Pet-friendly rentals are often in high demand, so it is important to start your search early.

You can also plan ahead in more unconventional ways — for example, by training your pet or passing the Canine Good Citizen test. You’ll put both you and your pet in a position for success with your new landlord and any other tenants if you’re confident that they will be respectful of others (including not jumping on new people) and have a handle on any behavior that may cause them to be loud (such as separation anxiety). A letter of reference from previous landlords regarding your pet’s good behavior and preparing a pet resume can help too.

How to find a pet-friendly apartment

Before you begin your search for a pet-friendly apartment, you should be aware that you may have to be willing to live in a less desirable location if you want to rent a pet-friendly rental. Also, be aware that most leases have pet restrictions, so even if you find an apartment that doesn’t mention a ban on pets in its listing description, it is important to read the lease carefully before signing it.

That said, even if a lease does not allow pets, you may be able to work with the landlord to get an exception. There are also many great pet-friendly apartments out there — you just need to put in the work to find them.

Where can you find pet-friendly rental listings?

There are a number of sources for finding pet-friendly rental listings, including:

1. Local animal shelters, humane societies, and rescues: Some organizations maintain printed or online listings of pet-friendly landlords, buildings, or even post pet-friendly vacancies on old-fashioned pushpin bulletin boards.
2. Local businesses: You can look for rental listings in real estate offices and community centers, as well as your local vet’s office, pet boarding facilities, and pet supply stores.
3. Rental listing websites: Many rental listing websites allow you to search for listings that allow dogs, cats, or both, such as Peoplewithpets.com. Other traditional rental search websites, such as Zillow.com and Trulia.com, have filters for pet-friendly listings. Even if a site doesn’t have a specific filter, however, you can search listings by keywords such as “pet,” “dog,” or “cat” in the search box to find listings that may include phrases such as “dogs ok” or “small pet allowed” in the listing description.
4. Craigslist: For metropolitan markets (and, increasingly, many rural communities), Craigslist.org is the most well-known (and free) site for listing rentals and may offer more untraditional arrangements (like sublets) that could work well for you and your pet.

What is a pet-friendly lease agreement?

You may find that your lease includes a pet agreement, also known as a pet addendum. This agreement is a document that legally establishes that the landlord is allowing the tenant (in this case, you) to have a pet in their apartment. The agreement, however, usually comes with rules that the tenant must follow, including assuming responsibility for the pet and any damages that they may cause to the property.

Research rental pet agreements

Before you sign a rental pet agreement, make sure to do some research to make sure the agreement you’re signing is reasonable and that you can meet all of its requirements. Pet agreements are legally binding documents, after all.

Sample pet agreements

Most pet agreements are straightforward and reasonable. Take, for instance, this sample pet agreement from California, which requires that tenants essentially take care of and clean up after their pet, do all they can to keep them from being unnecessarily noisy or otherwise disturbing to neighboring tenants, and agree to pay for any damage their pets cause the property.

Research rental pet insurance

When renting with a pet, you may also want to research rental insurance that includes pet liability coverage. Policies vary, but some renter’s insurance policies can cover the costs of fixing damage your pet causes to the property (for example, chewed door frames) and can also help pay for medical expenses if your pet injures a guest in your home.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Are there any restrictions on the types of pets I can have?

Restrictions will vary from property to property (and landlord to landlord), but it’s not uncommon for some to ban specific breeds considered dangerous (whether that’s true or not). For example, Pit Bulls are often banned because of their (largely unfair) reputation for being dangerous.

What if I want to adopt a pet after moving in?

If your apartment is pet-friendly, you should let your landlord know you are adopting a pet. Even if they allow pets, they may impose a fee or require you to send a pet agreement. If your apartment is not pet-friendly, you may try to convince your landlord to allow you to adopt a particular pet. Ultimately, however, you may have to move to a pet-friendly property.

Can my landlord make me get rid of my pet if it becomes a problem?

Your landlord can’t make you get rid of your dog without going through the proper legal channels. Laws and regulations vary based on where you live and other factors but make sure you know your rights if faced with a threat from your landlord.

References

Renting With Pets: A Pathway to Housing Insecurity?

“Pets Negotiable”: How Do the Perspectives of Landlords and Property Managers Compare with Those of Younger Tenants with Dogs?

California Pet Agreement

Moving With Your Cat

How to Write a Killer Dog ‘Resume’ for Your Landlord

Julie Zeilinger is a NYC-based writer and editor whose writing has been published in Marie Claire, Vox, HuffPost, Forbes, and other publications. She is also the author of two books: College 101: A Girl’s Guide to Freshman Year(2014) and A Little F’d Up: Why Feminism Is Not a Dirty Word(2012). She is the mom to Baloo, a two-year-old Bichpoo and foster mom to dogs via Badass Animal Rescue.