Therapy Dog Program

Therapy dogs are specially trained companions who, alongside their owners, bring comfort, connection, and joy to people in a variety of settings—schools, libraries, hospitals, and nursing homes. From encouraging a child learning to read to brightening the day of a senior in assisted living, therapy dog teams make a meaningful difference wherever they go. These dogs thrive on human interaction and have a genuine love for meeting new people.

Training a therapy dog is a journey – most teams take about a year to fully prepare, though motivated young adult dogs may be ready in 6–8 months. We encourage you to focus on small, achievable goals along the way.

We at Saragold Kennels are here to help make that process a possibility through our 5 phases.

  • Raising a therapy dog starts well before you begin training. Genetics and environment both play a role in whether your dog will be successful. Regardless of breed, age, or temperament descriptions, having an experienced and objective third party complete a thorough temperament evaluation will lay an important foundation for you and your dog to build on.

    Saragold offers evaluations for $20/dog when done onsite or $60/litter off-site. We will travel anywhere in South Central Idaho to complete evaluations, and are happy to evaluate puppies or dogs from any background.

  • Your first milestone is the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which ensures your dog has reliable obedience skills and is well-socialized.
    How to prepare:

    Cost for this phase typically ranges from $200 to $990, depending on the option selected.

  • Next, you’ll work toward the Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA) or Community Canine certification.
    How to prepare:

    Pricing ranges from $200 to $1200 depending on the handler’s level of involvement.

  • The final test is the Urban Canine Good Citizen, which prepares dogs for real-world therapy environments.
    How to prepare:

    Pricing will vary, but will typically range from $200 to $1680 depending on the training option selected.

  • This phase begins once your dog has successfully achieved their CGC, CGCA, and CGCU.

    After completing the application to Pets Helping People Therapy Team you and your canine teammate will complete 3 supervised visits with a senior member of our Pets Helping People Therapy Team. Once successful, you’ll officially become a certified therapy team and receive:

    • Therapy dog vest

    • Handler shirt & patch

    • Member guide

    • CIMA liability insurance

Pricing

Phase Two: Canine Good Citizen test

Phase Three: Canine Good Citizen -Advanced (CGCA) (Community Canine Good Citizen)

Phase Four: Canine Good Citizen - Urban (CGCU) Test