Who we are
TheraPaws Therapy Dogs of Washington was founded in October 2022 with a simple mission: to share the comfort and connection of therapy dogs with our community. What began with just eight dogs in our first training class has grown into a dedicated group of more than 25 certified therapy dog teams serving throughout Spokane.
Our teams are made up entirely of volunteers who generously give their time to bring moments of joy, comfort, and emotional support to those who need it most. Several of our teams currently serve regularly in schools around Spokane, helping students feel calmer, more confident, and supported.
Under the guidance of our trainer, Tori, who brings more than 20 years of experience in dog training, our program prepares dogs and handlers to become confident therapy teams ready to make a meaningful difference in the community.
At TheraPaws, we believe in the powerful bond between people and dogs—and we’re passionate about sharing that connection with others.
FAQs
How much do you charge for visits?
1
Our therapy dogs insist on being paid in belly rubs, ear scratches, and the occasional compliment about how handsome or beautiful they are.
In all seriousness, our visits are completely free of charge. All of our therapy dog teams volunteer their time to share comfort and connection with the community. Because our handlers are volunteers, visits are scheduled based on team availability.
What is included in training?
2
Our TherapyDog Certification Training course is offered to dogs 1-year-old and up and is a 12-Week program lead by an AKC-certified trainer with 20+ years of experience. In this course you and your dog will learn how to navigate a variety of environments and age groups. You will also receive a vest in your choice of color, and two sets of patches. The first set will designate your dog as “In-Training”, the second set will designate your dog as a therapy dog and include their name. After training is completed, our coordinator will help walk you through the certification process with The Alliance of Therapy Dogs as outlined here. Testing fees for certification are included in the course, but additional registration fees apply to join national therapy dog registries.
Our TheraPups Puppy Training course is offered to dogs 8-weeks up to 1-year-old and is a 6-Week program lead by an AKC-certified trainer with 20+ years of experience. In this course you and your dog will learn foundational skills that will prepare them for further training.
Are you insured?
3
Yes! TheraPaws Therapy Dogs of Washington is a member of The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and our certified therapy dog teams are covered under the organization’s liability insurance policy during official therapy visits.
What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?
4
Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for a specific person with a disability and are legally permitted to accompany their handler in most public places.
Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are trained to provide comfort and emotional support to many people during structured visits in places like schools, hospitals, libraries, and community events. Therapy dogs always visit with their handlers and do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.
Contact us
Have questions about our programs, availability, or upcoming training dates? Fill out our form and a member of our team will be happy to help.