Ever since Lana was a puppy, I've had a simple dream.
To be a light in other people's lives. just as she has been in mine.
Those who have followed Lana's journey on Instagram will know that making people smile has always been at the heart of what we do. It was never about chasing numbers, followers or becoming "Instagram famous." If I'm being completely honest, I've never really cared much about any of those things.
My dream has always been much simpler.
I want Lana to make a difference.
I want her to bring comfort.
I want her to bring joy.
I want her to be a little light in someone's day.
And somehow, without trying too hard, we've already seen glimpses of that happening. Over the last three years, more than 14,000 people have chosen to follow Lana's journey online. not because she's famous, not because she's extraordinary, but because something about her photos, videos or stories connected with them enough to stay.
Every follow represents a real person. Someone who smiled at a photo. Who related to a story. Who found comfort in a quote. A person whose day may have been just a little brighter because of a golden retriever with a bow in her hair. (Marshie, our house rabbit, thinks he should also be considered for the role. but that's a conversation for another day.)
And that got me thinking.
If Lana can bring joy to people through a screen, imagine the difference she could make in real life.
That's where my interest in therapy dogs began. Over the years I've followed several therapy dog accounts online and found myself fascinated by the work they do. The comfort they bring. The smiles they create. The difference they make in hospitals, schools, retirement homes and communities. The more I learned, the more I found myself asking questions.
What exactly is a therapy dog?
Could Lana become one?
What qualities do therapy dogs need?
Where do you even begin?
And perhaps the biggest question of all. could this dream actually become reality?
So I started researching, reading, learning and reaching out to people already doing this work. And the deeper I looked, the more I realised just how special these dogs truly are. So what exactly is a therapy dog, and why do they play such an important role in so many people's lives?
Let's start at the beginning
So what exactly is a therapy dog?
A therapy dog is a trained dog that visits people. in hospitals, schools, retirement homes, libraries, rehabilitation centres and community programmes. and simply offers their company.
That might sound simple. And in a way, it is. But that's also exactly what makes it so powerful.
Unlike service dogs, who are trained to help one specific person with a disability, therapy dogs work with many different people. They don't perform tasks. They don't need to. Their whole job is just to be there. calm, gentle, completely present. and let people come to them.
Therapy Dog
A certified dog that visits many different people in hospitals, schools, retirement homes and similar settings. Their whole job is to offer calm, friendly presence to whoever needs it that day.
Who they helpMany different people — not just one person. They work with strangers in care settings.
Training & certificationMust pass behavioural assessments and be certified through a recognised therapy dog organisation before visiting.
AccessAttend settings by invitation from the facility. They do not have automatic public access rights.
Service Dog
A highly trained dog that performs specific, life-changing tasks for one person with a physical or mental disability. guiding, alerting to seizures, retrieving objects, providing mobility support.
Who they helpOne specific person with a diagnosed disability.
Training & certificationExtensive task-specific training, often 18 months or more. One of the most demanding forms of dog training.
AccessIn countries with recognised legislation (such as the US and UK), legally permitted in almost all public spaces — restaurants, shops, transport and hospitals. In South Africa, there is currently no equivalent national law granting service dogs automatic public access rights.
Emotional Support Animal
Any animal. not just a dog. that provides emotional comfort to a person with a documented mental health condition. They don't perform tasks. Their presence alone is the support.
Who they helpOne specific person: their owner. They are not trained to work with the public.
TrainingNo specialist task training required, though basic obedience and good manners are still important.
Recognition & rightsTypically requires a letter from a licensed mental health professional. In some countries (notably the US under the Fair Housing Act), ESAs carry housing protections — landlords may be required to accommodate them even in no-pet properties. In South Africa, emotional support animals are not currently regulated by law and carry no formal housing or access rights. ESAs do not have the same broad public access rights as service dogs in any country.
All three matter. But they're not the same thing. and the difference is worth understanding.
The reason it works
Why dogs make such wonderful therapists
If you've ever had a difficult day and felt your dog quietly sit beside you, you've already experienced a small part of what makes therapy dogs so special.
Dogs don't judge.
They don't care what job you have.
They don't care what you look like.
They don't care whether you've had a good day or a bad one.
They simply offer their companionship.
There's something deeply grounding about the way dogs exist. They're not worried about yesterday. They're not anxious about tomorrow. They're just here. right now, completely present. And when you're in a hospital bed or a retirement home or a school hallway that feels too big, that kind of presence is rare and genuinely healing.
The science backs this up too. even if it's still catching up to what dog owners have known for years. A review of 69 peer-reviewed studies on human-animal interaction found real benefits for mood, social behaviour and stress markers like cortisol and heart rate.1 What comes up most consistently is oxytocin. the bonding hormone. which tends to rise during human-dog contact.1 A 2024 systematic review found that animal-assisted therapy helped people with depression, anxiety, PTSD and schizophrenia feel calmer and more connected.3
Therapy dogs are increasingly being used in mental health settings specifically. For people living with PTSD. including veterans and trauma survivors. the calming, non-verbal presence of a dog can help ground them in the present moment and ease feelings of hyperarousal and isolation. For those dealing with anxiety or depression, regular contact with a therapy dog has been linked to improved mood, a greater sense of connection and reduced loneliness. Counselling practices, psychiatric wards and trauma recovery programmes are among the settings now actively incorporating therapy dog visits.
Not every study agrees on every measure, and the field is still young. But the overall direction is clear. and it's the same thing every dog owner already knows.
What it actually looks like
What happens during a therapy dog visit?
If you've ever wondered what a therapy dog visit actually looks like in practice, here's a typical picture.
The handler arrives at the facility. a hospital ward, a school library, a retirement home lounge. with their dog on a lead. They're usually met by a staff member who guides them through the setting. The dog moves calmly from person to person, settling beside whoever reaches out. Some people want to stroke the dog. Some just want to watch. Some want to talk. and the dog gives them a reason to.
Visits typically last between one and two hours. The handler watches their dog's body language throughout, making sure the dog is comfortable and not becoming tired or overwhelmed. This matters: a therapy dog's welfare is just as important as the comfort they provide, and a good handler knows when their dog has had enough.
Afterwards, most handlers give their dogs quiet decompression time. a calm walk, rest at home, or simply time to just be a dog again. Therapy work is rewarding, but it's also mentally engaging, and good rest between visits keeps dogs happy and willing.
Most therapy dog teams visit once a week or a few times a month, depending on the organisation and the facility's needs.
Could it be your path too?
Could your dog become a therapy dog?
Not every friendly dog is automatically suited to therapy work. and that's completely okay. What matters most isn't breed; it's temperament.
Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and poodles are among the most frequently certified. But mixed breeds are just as welcome, and a calm, sociable Jack Russell can be every bit as comforting as a golden retriever.
1
Calm temperament
Therapy dogs need to stay relaxed and settled in unpredictable environments. from busy hospital corridors to quiet retirement home lounges. Calmness isn't just preferred; it's essential.
Relaxed in new places
Unfazed by equipment
Settles easily
2
Good manners & obedience
Basic obedience and reliable behaviour around people, equipment and other animals is essential for safe, successful visits. A therapy dog needs to respond consistently. every time, in every environment.
Reliable recall
Loose-lead walking
Consistent behaviour
3
Confidence around strangers
Therapy dogs meet new people constantly. children, elderly residents, patients, people using wheelchairs and medical equipment. They need to be genuinely comfortable, not just tolerant, in those interactions.
Welcomes strangers
Comfortable with all ages
Not shy or fearful
4
Enjoyment of human contact
Perhaps the most important quality of all. A therapy dog must truly enjoy being touched and interacted with by people they've never met before. You can't train that. It's either there or it isn't. And when it is. you'll know.
Seeks human contact
Thrives on connection
Genuine love for people
Most therapy organisations also require a formal assessment before a dog can start visiting. Here's what that typically involves:
- Age requirementMost organisations require dogs to be at least one year old — sometimes two. Young puppies, however sweet, aren't emotionally mature enough for therapy work.
- Basic obedience firstBefore any assessment, your dog should reliably respond to basic commands: sit, stay, leave it, come. A good Canine Good Citizen qualification (or equivalent) is a strong foundation.
- Temperament assessmentA qualified assessor evaluates how the dog responds to strangers, unusual sounds, medical equipment, wheelchairs, and other real-world therapy settings.
- Handler assessmentIt's not just about the dog. Handlers are also assessed — on how they read their dog's body language, manage interactions and respond if the dog shows stress.
Once certified, most handlers register with a therapy dog organisation who connects them with local facilities. If you're in South Africa, TOP Dogs (therapytopdogs.co.za) and PAT. Pets as Therapy South Africa (pat.org.za) are two of the most established organisations to contact. Note that there is currently no single national registering body for therapy dogs in South Africa. each organisation certifies its own members. If you're based elsewhere, searching for a registered therapy dog organisation in your country is the best first step.
The steps, from the beginning
If you think your dog might have what it takes, here's the path most handlers follow:
Honestly assess your dog's temperamentBefore anything else, ask yourself: does my dog genuinely enjoy strangers of all kinds? Does she stay calm in new, unpredictable environments? These aren't things you can train in. They need to already be there.
Build a solid foundation of basic obedienceWork towards a reliable sit, stay, leave it, come and heel. A Canine Good Citizen qualification (or equivalent in your country) is often a formal requirement — and always a strong foundation.
Research organisations in your areaFind a registered therapy dog organisation near you. Requirements and certification processes vary by country and organisation, so it's worth contacting a few to understand what's involved where you are.
Apply and book your assessmentOnce you've found an organisation, apply to have your dog assessed. This usually involves a temperament evaluation and a handler assessment — sometimes also an orientation session or interview.
Complete the assessment togetherThe assessment evaluates how your dog responds to strangers, unusual sounds, equipment and unexpected situations — and how well you read and respond to your dog. Handler and dog are assessed as a team.
Register and begin visitingOnce certified, you'll be registered and can schedule visits to approved facilities. Many handlers start with shorter visits, building up gradually. Some organisations pair new teams with experienced mentors for the first few sessions.
Keep your certification currentMost organisations require annual renewal — a check-in to confirm your dog's temperament and behaviour are still suitable. This protects the dog, the handler and the people they visit.
And even if your dog never becomes a certified therapy dog? That doesn't mean they're not already doing the work. Every dog who curls up beside someone having a hard day, who makes a child laugh, who gets a tired person off the sofa for a walk. they're already making a difference. Maybe just to one family. But that's not nothing. That's everything.
Whether Lana ever officially becomes a therapy dog or not, she's already done therapy for me more times than she'll ever know.
Through stressful days.
Through difficult moments.
Through ordinary mornings when life felt overwhelming.
And through sharing her online, I know she's already brought comfort and smiles to many other people too.
My dream is still to see whether Lana has what it takes to become a therapy dog one day. Maybe she'll pass every assessment. Maybe she won't. The truth is that not every dog is suited to therapy work. and that's perfectly okay.
Some dogs serve entire communities.
Some serve their families.
And some do both.
Whatever the future holds, I'm willing to give it my very best and see where the journey takes us. Because even if Lana never earns a therapy dog title, she will always be my comfort on four paws. ♡
Frequently asked questions
The questions people most often search for when learning about therapy dogs. answered honestly.
Can any dog become a therapy dog?
Any breed or mix can become a therapy dog. what matters is temperament, not pedigree. Golden retrievers, Labradors and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are commonly seen in therapy work because of their naturally gentle natures, but small dogs, mixed breeds and older dogs can all qualify. The key is a calm, friendly temperament and genuine enjoyment of human contact.
How long does it take to get a therapy dog certified?
It depends on your dog's current training and temperament. If your dog already has solid basic obedience and the right nature, certification can take a few months. If you're starting from scratch, it could be a year or more. Most organisations recommend dogs be at least one to two years old before applying.
Do therapy dogs have to be purebred?
Not at all. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful therapy dogs. What assessors look for is temperament, behaviour and the dog-handler relationship. none of which have anything to do with breed registration.
Can I take my therapy dog anywhere?
No. therapy dogs do not have the same automatic public access rights as service dogs. A therapy dog visits settings by invitation from the facility. Outside of approved visits, your therapy dog is treated the same as any other pet in public spaces.
How do therapy dogs help with anxiety and mental health?
Research shows that interacting with a therapy dog can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the bonding hormone). For people with anxiety, depression or PTSD, the non-judgemental presence of a dog can reduce feelings of isolation, help ground them in the present moment and provide genuine emotional comfort. Therapy dogs are increasingly used in counselling environments, psychiatric settings and trauma recovery programmes. Note that in South Africa, emotional support animals are not currently regulated by law. but therapy dogs working through registered organisations operate within an established and recognised framework.
What is a reading programme with therapy dogs?
Reading programmes. sometimes called "Read to a Dog" or READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) programmes. invite children to read aloud to a calm, certified therapy dog. Because the dog doesn't judge or react to mistakes, children who struggle with reading often feel far more relaxed and confident reading to a dog than to an adult. These programmes have shown real improvements in reading confidence and enjoyment.
Do therapy dogs enjoy their work?
A well-matched therapy dog absolutely can. and should. enjoy their visits. Dogs that genuinely love human contact often thrive in therapy settings. A responsible handler always monitors their dog during visits and stops if the dog shows signs of being overwhelmed. Therapy dog welfare is taken seriously by good organisations, and a dog who doesn't enjoy the work should not continue it.
How do I find a therapy dog organisation near me?
In South Africa, there are several established organisations to contact. TOP Dogs (therapytopdogs.co.za) is one of the first therapy dog organisations in South Africa and visits hospitals, frail care centres, schools and more. PAT. Pets as Therapy South Africa (pat.org.za) is a community-based NPO operating across multiple provinces including Cape Town, Gauteng, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. Angel Paws Therapy Dogs (angelpawstherapydogs.org.za) operates in KwaZulu-Natal. Paws for People (pawsforpeople.co.za) is based in the Gauteng West Rand area. Note that there is currently no single national registering body for therapy dogs in South Africa. each organisation certifies its own members. Outside South Africa: in the UK, Pets As Therapy (separate from the South African PAT) is well-established. In the US, Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Pet Partners are widely recognised. Most organisations have websites with information on how to apply.
Research references
- Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234
- Kline, J.A. et al. (2022). Molecular Biomarkers of Adult Human and Dog Stress during Canine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Scoping Review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science / PMC. View on PubMed Central
- Arsovski, D. et al. (2024). The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review. Perspectives in Integrative Medicine, 3(3), 142–151. doi:10.56986/pim.2024.10.003
- McDowall, S. & Hazel, S.J. (2023). Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs in Human Health Promotion. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 20(10), 5801. doi:10.3390/ijerph20105801
Research in animal-assisted therapy is actively evolving. Where study findings are mixed or still emerging, this has been noted in the article above.
