Test & Certification Fee
- $45 paid at time of registration (*see our refund policy below); AND
- $35 due for first-year TDV membership after successful completion of all certification requirements.
These fees cover up to two handlers in the same household and ONE dog. Contact TDV for fees for more than two household handlers.
Passing the test and the evaluation process is necessary in order to become a therapy dog team with Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Tests are offered throughout the year, in some counties on a monthly basis. Once certification is achieved, a team can make therapy dog visits to facilities in their community (as volunteers). Certification provides many benefits, including the support of an established, experienced, highly regarded local organization, and the legitimacy and community connections that comes with it (click here for additional benefits). Certification remains current for as long as the team member renews their annual membership.
The entire process of TDV certification involves three basic steps (please note that your tester and/or evaluator may also provide you with additional instructions for each phase of the certification).
- Photography/videography is not permitted at Certification tests
TDV Covid Policy:
In order to attend TDV certifications or clinics, attendees need to have received the following:
- 2 COVID SHOTS (Moderna & Pfizer)
- 1 COVID SHOT (Johnson & Johnson)
(Boosters are encouraged but not required).
Please note: Facilities and programs visited by therapy dogs as part of
the evaluation process and as certified members may have additional
vaccination requirements.
STEP 1 – Register for a test (*see our test refund policy below)
- Review the Minimum Requirements
- Complete the registration with a first and second choice of your test date, location, and payment
You will receive an email confirmation within a few business days that your test request has been accepted. After you receive that confirmation, please go to Step 2 below.
STEP 2 – Prepare for Your Test
- Review the Certification Packet
- Complete the three online forms AT LEAST 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE YOUR TEST.
STEP 3 – Evaluation
Evaluation are in a nursing facility and they are three to five evaluations with an evaluator in your area. Your evaluator will communicate any additional information needed for the evaluation and/or directions to the evaluation location by email in advance of your first evaluation.
Testing Fee – $45
*Please note our TDV policy regarding test fee refunds:
- If you cancel your appointment less than 48 hours prior to your test, do not appear at your test, or fail the test; your fee will NOT be refunded. If you still wish to be certified, you would need re-apply and pay the testing fee again.
- If you choose not to be certified and want to withdraw your application, the fee is not refundable. (Please be sure that you understand the requirements for certification before you apply!) If you have any questions about the process, how long it takes, and where you must travel to be tested and evaluated, e-mail us!).
- If you cancel your test three times, TDV reserves the right to cancel your application (and the test fee will be retained by TDV)
- Applications will automatically expire within SIX MONTHS of your application date and your fee will not be refunded. You may re-apply.