Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs

Transforming Rescue Dogs into Lifelines for Healing

Learn how our process turns rescue dogs into trusted service and therapy companions for survivors of abuse and trauma.

Service Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs: What's the Difference?

Service Dogs are trained to assist survivors with physical, emotional, or psychological challenges. They are essential partners, performing specific tasks to help their handlers navigate daily life with greater independence and confidence.

Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support and companionship in various settings, such as counseling sessions, group therapy, hospitals, or schools. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are not trained for specific tasks and do not have public access rights, but their presence alone can make a profound impact on those in need.

The Journey from Shelter to Service

Step 1: Dog Selection: Rescue dogs are carefully evaluated for temperament, health, and adaptability. Only dogs with a stable demeanor and strong trainability are chosen for the program.

Step 2: Training: All dogs are trained in obedience and socialized properly. Then the focus shifts to specialized training for the dog's specific role. Service dogs recieve task-based training for their handler's needs, such as retrieving items or providing deep pressure therapy. Therapy dogs are trained to provide calm and comfort in group or community settings.

Step 3: Survivor Matching: Survivors complete an application to ensure a good fit between the dog and their individual needs, Matching sessions are held to help build trust and rapport between the survivor and dog.

Step 4: Transition Training: At-least 5 hands-on sessions with their service dog. Ongoing support to ensure skills are maintained and partnership thrives.

Step 5: Certification & Support: Dog officially becomes a service or therapy dog. CIF provides lifetime support for both the dog and their handler to ensure long-term success. CIF ensures that each dog is not just trained but fully equipped to transform lives.