• The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs logo

  • Therapy Dog Application

  • Please note: This application is for you and your dog to join our Therapy Dog Program as one of our volunteer therapy dog teams. We will review your application and contact you shortly with the next steps. Our teams provide affection, comfort, and support to people in various settings like hospitals, schools, or nursing homes, improving their emotional, social, or cognitive well-being through gentle interaction.

    *** If you have a disability and you are looking for a Service Dog to support YOU, please refer to our Owner Trained or Program Trained Service Dog programs, as they have their own applications. 

  • Date of Birth*
     - -
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Dog's Date of Birth*
     - -

  • Therapy Dog Testing Information

  • Thank you for your interest in volunteering as a Therapy Dog team with The Exceptional Sidekick. The information below will help prepare you for the evaluation and our community guidelines.

    Our Mission: The Exceptional Sidekick provides ADA-compliant psychiatric service dogs to disabled teens and young adults (ages 12–22), empowering them to complete their education and live the life they want to live. Our clients live with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. We believe no one should have a limited education or quality of life due to a psychiatric disability that a service dog can help mitigate.

    Your Role as a Therapy Dog Team: Because service dogs cannot be touched by the public, our Therapy Dog teams play a vital role in bridging that gap. We ask for a minimum of 10 volunteer hours per year, which may include school presentations, scout events, fairs, festivals, and the Labor Day Parade. Beyond scheduled outings, you're welcome to arrange your own visits to nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or schools.

    Once certified: you and your dog are covered under our liability insurance during volunteer time only. This coverage does not apply to non-volunteer use - for example, a therapist using their own dog professionally in a clinical setting.

  • The following information will apply if your application for our Therapy Dog program is approved:

    Testing Criteria:

    • No metal collars or leashes
    • No retractable leashes
    • No prong or choke collar
    • Head halters allowed (Gentle leader, Halti, etc.)
    • Handler must be accompanied by a parental guardian if under 18 years of age
    • Handler must pass a background check
    • Dog must have passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and AKC Urban tests within the last year.

    Testing and Registration Fees:

    • $200 Registration fee to be submitted once you pass your test which covers your ID and Liability Insurance for your volunteer time for one year.
    • $20 annual testing fee

    Additional Costs

    • You will be provided a link to order an official Exceptional Sidekick therapy dog vest at ~ $50.

  • Testing Items:

    1. Overall appearance of the pet.
    2. Response when approached by or sent to visit a stranger.
    3. History of biting, snapping or snarling at humans, or animals.
    4. Pet's response to staring into his eyes.
    5. Pet's response to being touched on his legs (check all 4).
    6. Pet's response when ears and tail are pulled.
    7. Pet's response to head hug.
    8. Pet's response to crowding or sudden movement.
    9. Pet's response to a dropped object or loud noise.
    10. Pet's response to other animals.
    11. Can the owner safely handle the pet with allowed collar and leash?

  • If any test items are deemed unacceptable: the dog will not pass the test. Your evaluator will discuss the reason for the failed test as well as options for further training or switching to a different activity with their dog. About half of the dogs that fail the test do so because of their maturity level. Retesting at a later time is a possibility based on the evaluator's decision. There will be a $20 fee for retesting.

    Thank you again for your interest in volunteering for The Exceptional Sidekick.

    Questions can be directed to me at:
    Email: info@exceptionalsidekick.org
    Mobile: 203-994-7678.

    Abby Hill, CPDT-KA
    Executive Director
    The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs
    www.exceptionalsidekick.org

  • My dog welcomes & seeks out, not just tolerates, interactions with all strangers*
  • My dog is able to tolerate rough play by a stranger and show no hesitation or aggression*
  • My dog is at least one year old and owned by current owner for at least six months*
  • My dog is reliably house trained*
  • My dog is altered (may not be in heat during evaluation)*
  • My dog is vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis, & distemper. (Titers accepted)*
  • My dog has no prior history of fear, reactivity, or aggression towards people or animals*
  • My dog is calm & friendly toward other dogs and display no excessive barking, whining, or lunging*
  • My dog demonstrates good basic obedience skills*
  • I am willing and able to complete at least 10 hours a year of volunteer time for The Exceptional Sidekick and its mission*
  • My dog has had a negative fecal test in the past 6 months.*
  • Should be Empty: