Training Dogs to Bring Comfort to Our Community

At our training center, we’re honored to play a role in bringing comfort, connection, and joy to our community through our therapy dog program. We help raise, nurture, and train dogs who are destined to brighten lives. We guide them every step of the way as they grow into calm, confident, and compassionate partners. From early socialization and exposure to new environments to building solid obedience and gentle, people-focused behaviors, our trainers are dedicated to helping each dog reach their full potential.

“Our mission is to improve health and well-being through the human-animal bond.”

What is a Therapy Dog?

Therapy animals are well-loved pets that have passed temperament evaluations and training to ensure they can safely and gently provide comfort to others. These special animals offer emotional support, affection, and a calming presence in approved settings such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools, and even courtrooms. Wherever people are facing stress, anxiety, or challenging situations, therapy animals bring warmth, connection, and a welcome sense of ease.

Palouse Paws

One of the first Pet Partners teams to be registered to the Palouse region was Renee Piper and her yellow lab, Enzo, in 2012. The demand to provide comfort work in the area became overwhelming so Renee decided to become a Pet Partners Instructor/Evaluator and established our local group, Palouse Paws. There are now more than 25 registered teams on the Palouse volunteering their spare time to bring comfort to our community. Our teams visit locations all throughout the area to educate people about the differenced between service animals, comfort animals, and family pets.

Want your dog to become a therapy dog?

  • Obedience/ Pet Therapy Preparation Courses

    •  In order to become a therapy dog your pup must have a strong understanding of basic commands. We can ensure this by your pup going through our obedience courses provided by our training center.  Once completed, you will need to take our Pet Therapy Preparation Course that will help you and your pup get started on your therapy dog journey.

  • Handler Course

    • This is a one-day course required to become a registered Pet Partners team. Taught by an experienced and registered instructor, this course will combine interactive role playing, class lecture, and discussion to help you learn the fundamentals of volunteering and how to be your animals best advocate. This course will teach you the responsibilities and expectations of a successful volunteer.

  • Practicum

    • During the visiting practicum, you and your pup will practice all the fundamentals such as obedience, working around mobility equipment, proper greetings, and dealing with unexpected situations. This is optional but highly recommended as you prepare for the evaluation.

  • Evaluation

    • The team evaluation is a mock therapy animal visit conducted by a Pet Partners Team Evaluator. This is the final step once you and your pet demonstrate your ability to conduct a safe and effective visit.