Every therapy dog and handler pair meets strict health, age, and behavioral benchmarks before entering healthcare and community settings.
Dog health and age
Temperament and behavior
Handler availability
Poodles must be at least one year old with current vaccination records, routine health checks, and a calm, predictable demeanor around strangers.
Dogs must show relaxed body language around medical equipment, sudden noises, crowded hallways, and gentle physical affection from diverse individuals.
Handlers commit to at least two monthly visits, attending scheduled appointments at San Diego medical centers, memory-care facilities, or school events.
Four steps to deployment
Initial evaluation
Handler coursework
Supervised visits
Official registration
Participate in a preliminary screening where instructors evaluate your poodle's basic obedience, social responses, and comfort with handling.
Complete coursework covering patient interaction protocol, infection control guidelines, stress recognition, and ethical volunteer responsibilities.
Conduct mentored visitations at designated partner facilities under the direct observation of experienced lead therapy team handlers.
Receive official 501(c)(3) therapy team credentials, insurance coverage, and assignment to suitable San Diego community visitation sites.
Become a certified team
Submit your application to start the evaluation process for you and your poodle in San Diego County.