About USA Therapy Dogs, Inc.

About

USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. describes itself as "a dedicated non-profit organization based in Mid-Michigan, entirely driven by passionate volunteers." Its published mission statement is a single line: "Provide comfort in our communities through human/canine interaction." The site identifies the organization as "a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization" with "EIN: 27-2236559."

Training and certification

The organization runs a therapy-dog certification program it describes as a "12-Week Training Journey." The published breakdown is: weeks 1-7 "Fundamental Training," focused on "mastering essential skills required to pass the prestigious A.K.C.-C.G.C.A (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) test"; week 8, "Hazards of the Hospital" – "Specialized training to prepare dogs for hospital environments and CPR for dogs"; weeks 9-12, "Field Work" – visits to facilities that help "handlers identify the settings where they are most comfortable visiting with their therapy dog"; and week 13, "Graduation and Certification."

The site states that dogs entering the program "are expected to demonstrate key commands such as sit, stay, come on command, and walking on a loose leash," and that new teams "undergo training with our dedicated team of USA Therapy assistant trainers and our Lead Trainer."

Under a heading comparing itself with other programs, the site says "All of our trainers are official AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluators," and describes "Hands-On Fieldwork Experience" including "real-world training in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers."

Where they meet

Training is held at a community venue rather than a facility of the organization's own: "Our training sessions take place at the Independence Township Senior Community Center, located at 6000 Clarkston Rd, Clarkston, MI 48348." The site describes this as "a spacious area that allows for effective training exercises and hands-on experience."

After certification

The site describes continuing involvement rather than a one-off class: "After certification, our members remain connected through volunteer opportunities, continued education, and a strong therapy dog community." Certified teams are described as serving "hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and other facilities." Separate sections invite visitors to "Become a Therapy Dog Team," "Request a Therapy Dog Visit," and donate.