How to volunteer with a therapy dog in the UK
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
Читать на русскомA practical route is joining a programme that assesses the owner-and-dog team and arranges visits. Pets As Therapy, for example, works with hospitals, care homes and schools. Start with the official PAT application ↗ rather than buying an online certificate.
Assess your dog's suitability
PAT currently requires a dog aged at least one year that has lived with you for at least nine months. It should walk happily on a short lead, enjoy strangers' attention, have up-to-date vaccinations and meet the programme's diet requirements. Imported dogs face additional checks: establish the requirements before paying for tests. PAT: eligibility and FAQs ↗.
Discuss health and workload with your vet. Obedience does not necessarily mean a dog enjoys strangers touching it or a noisy building. Do not train it to endure contact through fear.
Prepare the application and assessment
You need team details, veterinary vaccination evidence and two referees outside your family. The programme arranges a temperament assessment; read its requirements beforehand. Confirm the current annual contribution, included insurance and arrangements for a joint-owner team.
If approval is deferred, obtain specific feedback and a reassessment timetable. A trainer's assurance that the dog is suitable does not replace the programme's assessment.
Agree a visiting placement
Team registration does not mean you can arrive at any institution. A host, agreed schedule and its safeguarding, hygiene and access procedures are needed. CUH, for example, has a separate route for PAT volunteers. NHS CUH: Pets As Therapy ↗.
Check training, supervision, passes, parking and possible travel reimbursement. Obtain a coordinator's contact for cancellations.
Protect the team's wellbeing
Start with an agreed manageable workload and provide water and rest. Cancel visits under the venue's rules if you or the dog are ill. If your pet begins avoiding people, tiring or becoming anxious, stop visiting and discuss it with the coordinator and vet. Participation should remain comfortable and willing for the animal.