How to choose the right animal-assisted therapy provider

You believe in the power of the human-animal bond and you’re curious if working with a therapist who partners with a therapy animal could be right for you. But how do you find a provider who’s qualified and compassionate, and whose animal is truly suited for the work?

As animal-assisted therapy becomes more common, it’s important to know what to look for so you can choose a provider who offers safe, ethical, and effective care.

1. Look for specialized training

Just like other specialized areas of therapy, animal-assisted work requires specific training. A qualified provider should understand topics like client safety, infection control, animal welfare, and how to integrate the animal into therapy in a meaningful way.

One credential to look for is the Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS) designation. This certification shows that the provider has demonstrated knowledge of best practices in the field.

2. Ask how the animal was evaluated

Not every friendly dog (or other animal) is automatically suited to be a therapy partner. Legitimate therapy animals are evaluated by a third-party professional — someone who watches the animal and handler work together to ensure the animal is calm, responsive, and genuinely enjoys the interaction.

Look for teams who are credentialed through organizations like the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) as a “Professional Therapy Animal Team,” or who are registered with reputable volunteer organizations like Pet Partners. These evaluations ensure the animal is more than just well-behaved — they’re thriving in their role.

3. Review the informed consent

Ethical providers will always have an informed consent document that outlines animal-assisted interventions. This should clearly explain the provider’s qualifications, the role of the animal, potential benefits and risks, and what to expect during your sessions.

Take time to review this document and ask questions. It’s a great way to make sure you’re comfortable with how the animal will be included in your care.

4. Notice the bond between the therapist and animal

The strongest animal-assisted therapy experiences come from teams with a deep, respectful bond. A good provider will be attuned to their animal’s body language and comfort level and will adjust their work accordingly. This kind of connection doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built over time through training, trust, and mutual understanding.

When a therapist clearly cares for and respects their animal partner, you’ll benefit from a more authentic and healing experience.

Choosing to work with a therapy animal team can add warmth and connection to your mental health care. By doing a little research and asking the right questions, you can find a provider who honors both your needs and the well-being of their animal partner — creating the best possible environment for healing.

And remember — animal-assisted interventions aren’t just for licensed professionals. If you have a friendly, well-mannered pet who enjoys meeting new people outside the home, you might make a great volunteer therapy animal team. Organizations like  offer the training and support needed to help you safely and confidently share your animal’s love with others. It’s a meaningful way to give back and help bring the benefits of the human-animal bond to your community.