Even though we have a dog in our clinic, who sits in on sessions sometimes, we are currently not training other people's dogs to be emotional support dogs at present. For those interested in getting themselves, and  their dog involved as a volunteer below are resources available:

Clarity Recruitment and Irish Therapy Dogs offer opportunities to volunteer with therapy dogs. Volunteers must be 18+, and commit to one-hour weekly visits. Dogs should be 1+ years old, friendly, well-groomed, house-trained, vaccinated, and not from restricted breeds. Full details are available on both websites:

Clarity Recruitment

and

Irish Therapy Dogs

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while building a meaningful connection with your dog. To certify your dog as a therapy dog, they must meet temperament, health, and training requirements, such as being calm, friendly, and confident around people. Organizations like Irish Therapy Dogs assess dogs to ensure they are suitable for visits. After evaluation, your dog may be certified to participate in therapy programs, bringing comfort to those in need.

In Ireland, there is no formal certification process for therapy dogs. Organizations like Irish Therapy Dogs facilitate volunteer programs where dog owners can visit care centers with their pets, but they do not offer official accreditation.

For those interested in formal certification, several UK-based organizations provide comprehensive training and certification programs:

Therapy Dog Training UK: Offers online workshops and assessments leading to a Visiting Therapy Dog Certificate.

PAWS Therapy Dog Training: Provides a CPD Certification Programme, including video lessons and in-person dog assessments.

Canine Assisted Learning: Delivers therapy dog training programs tailored for schools, workplaces, and private practices.


Engaging in therapy dog work typically involves regular visits to settings like hospitals, nursing homes, or schools, where the presence of a well-trained dog can offer comfort and support to individuals.