The Most Common Myths About Therapy Dogs (And the Truth Behind Them)

Written By Coastal Canines .

Therapy dogs are becoming more common in schools, hospitals, and community spaces, but there’s still a lot of confusion about what they do and how they’re different from other working dogs. Misconceptions can lead to unrealistic expectations or even limit access to these amazing animals. Let’s break down some of the most common myths about therapy dogs and uncover the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Any Friendly Dog Can Be a Therapy Dog

Truth: Not every friendly dog has what it takes to be a therapy dog.

While a therapy dog does need to be friendly, that’s just one piece of the puzzle. The best therapy dogs are calm, patient, and able to handle a variety of environments without getting overly excited or anxious. They also need to be comfortable around strangers, loud noises, and new situations. Before being approved for visits, therapy dogs must pass temperament tests and training to ensure they’re a good fit for the job.

Myth #2: Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs Do the Same Job

Truth: Therapy dogs and service dogs have completely different roles.

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability, such as guiding individuals who are blind, alerting to medical conditions, or providing mobility assistance. They have legal access to public places under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Therapy dogs, on the other hand, provide comfort and emotional support to many people, not just one handler. They visit schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to help reduce stress and bring joy, but they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.

Myth #3: Therapy Dogs Don’t Need Training

Truth: Therapy dogs go through training and evaluations before they can work.

Even though therapy dogs don’t perform specific service tasks, they still need training to ensure they behave appropriately in public settings. They must remain calm around medical equipment, crowds, and sudden noises. Many organizations require therapy dogs to pass evaluations that test their obedience, socialization, and ability to handle distractions before they are allowed to participate in therapy visits.

Myth #4: Therapy Dogs Can Go Anywhere

Truth: Therapy dogs do not have the same legal access as service dogs.

Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are only allowed in places where they have been invited, such as hospitals, schools, and therapy centers. They do not have public access rights under the ADA, meaning they cannot accompany their handlers into restaurants, stores, or other public spaces that do not allow pets.

Myth #5: Therapy Dogs Are Only for People with Medical Conditions

Truth: Therapy dogs can provide comfort to anyone in need.

While therapy dogs often visit hospitals and rehabilitation centers, they also provide support in schools, nursing homes, workplaces, and even airports. Their presence can help reduce stress, improve mood, and create a more positive atmosphere for anyone they interact with.

Conclusion

Therapy dogs play an important role in providing comfort and companionship, but they are often misunderstood. By clearing up these common myths, we can better appreciate the work they do and the impact they have on individuals and communities.

Want to learn more about therapy dogs and how they help? Check out Coastal Canines’ programs to see how our therapy dogs are making a difference!

Citations

Coastal Canines . https://www.coastalcanines.org
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