Certification Process overview

---

To become an official First Responder Therapy Dogs team the handler and dog must successfully complete our certification process.  If you are interested, please take a look at the process below and download the required paperwork.  If you have any questions about the process, please email us and we would be happy to help!  

As part of being a certified team, you and your dog will be issued an official First Responder Therapy Dogs vest, ID credentials, access to our members only portal, and provided with liability insurance to support visiting First Responders in your area.  

Contact Info@firstrespondertherapydogs.org with questions or concerns.

Requirements

• You must be at least 18 years old
• Your dog must be at least 18 months old 
• Your dog must have lived with you for at least 6 months prior to the certification process 
• We only certify dogs that are trained using positive reinforcement.  We do not allow e-collars, shock collars, or choke collars as part of the training process or once certified.  

Certification Process

• Fill out the application w/ linked requirements available for download below
• Pass Background check 
• Pass AKC Canine Good Citizen test (must be current within the past 2 years)
• Complete the SAMHSA Service to Self-Training Course 
• Complete the ICS-100 (Introduction to the Incident Command System)
• Complete the Psychological First Aid Course
• Complete the Skills for Psychological Recovery Course 
• Pass a Behavior Assessment 
• Submit Certificate of Health signed by veterinarian 
• Provide a picture of you and your dog for your ID card 
• Sign Volunteer waiver 
• Sign Confidentiality Agreement 
• Pay $100 initial registration fee (once certified a $25 yearly membership fee and annual certificate of health is required to maintain certification)
• Additional handlers (adult family members) can certify for $25 yearly (but must also complete the certification process)
• Electronically sign our Volunteer Code of Conduct Document (below)

What to Expect After You Submit Your Application 

Application Review: Our team will review your application and verify that all required forms and supporting documents have been received.

Background & Documentation Verification: We will confirm your background check, required training, veterinary documentation, and certification requirements. 

Follow-Up: If anything is missing or clarification is needed, a FRTD representative will contact you. 

Certification Approval: Once all requirements are complete, your application will be approved, and you will be welcomed as an official FRTD therapy dog team!