What is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is a well-trained, calm, and friendly dog that provides comfort, emotional support, and positive interaction to people in a variety of settings. Unlike assistance dogs, therapy dogs do not perform disability-specific tasks for one individual. Instead, they work alongside their handler to support many people in environments such as hospitals, schools, aged-care facilities, counselling rooms, and community programs. Therapy dogs are chosen for their gentle temperament, reliability, and ability to remain relaxed around unfamiliar people, environments, and situations. Their training focuses on good manners, predictable behaviour, and positive social interaction rather than task work. Therapy dogs help reduce stress and anxiety, encourage emotional regulation, and provide a sense of calm and connection for those they visit. While therapy dogs play an important and valuable role in wellbeing and mental health, they do not have the same legal public access rights as assistance dogs and are only permitted in locations where they have been invited or approved to work.
