Providing systematic training and certification qualifications for therapy dogs and dog owners, allowing participants to volunteer with their pets while bringing care to society and enhancing connections.
Are therapy dogs born or made?
Our experiences tell us, both are possible.
HKAATA has always believed that living happily in the moment is the primary condition to become a therapy dog. In 2014, HKAATA pioneered the “Therapaws P Therapy Dog Training Program™”, allowing owners and dogs to grow together, learn to serve society together. After evaluation, training, and internship, they can participate in the international assessment and certification of “Therapaws Animal-Assisted Therapy Dog®” the following year.
If you are interested in serving society with your dog and getting to know another side of your dog, please see the information below. If your dog meets the admission criteria, you can sign up!
- 1st step: Our volunteers will have a preliminary phone call with interested owners for mutual understanding.
- 2nd step: If suitable, an interview assessment will be arranged (individual interview with the dog).
- 3rd step: If the individual interview is successful, a potential development class will be arranged (group interview + positive training for the dog).
Admission Criteria:
Your dog must:
- Be at least 12 months old
- Be spayed/neutered
- Have a microchip
- Be friendly towards people and other dogs
- Understand basic commands (leash manners, sit, down, stay)
- Not bark excessively
- Be healthy (both able-bodied and disabled dogs are welcome)
- Have up-to-date vaccinations and preventive care
- Have lived with the current owner for 9 months or more
As an owner, you must:
- Want to learn low-pressure, dog-centered interaction and nurturing methods
- Agree with education methods that do not involve hitting, shouting, choking, or aggression
- Be willing to dedicate time to serve and care for society with your dog
Legal owners and long-term foster volunteers are also welcome (and may be exempt from interview fees).
Interview Procedure:
Recruitment:
The recruitment for the 2024 Therapaws P Therapy Dog Training Program has been successfully completed. For those interested in this program, please stay tuned to our Facebook page for the latest updates!
