Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

An Overview

What is Therapy Dogs International?

Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.

When was TDI established?

TDI was founded in 1976 in New Jersey (Founder, Elaine Smith).

What types of dogs are used?

TDI registers all breeds of dogs. Some dogs have pedigrees, while others have been adopted from local shelters or are rescue dogs.

How many dogs are registered?

Year 2005, over 14,000 dogs and approximately 12,200 handlers are registered with TDI.

Where do the dogs volunteer?

We have volunteer dogs and their handlers in all 50 states as well as some in Canada.

What are the requirements for joining TDI?

To belong to Therapy Dogs International, Inc., all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperment. Each dog must pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC), and a temperment evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog. The test will also demonstrate the evaluation of the dog's behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).

What are the health requirements?

We require our Health Record Form to be completed and signed by a Licensed Veterinarian.

How is the organization funded?

TDI is a non-profit organization supported through annual membership dues.

How is the organization managed?

Ursula A. Kempe, a full time volunteer President/CEO is directing the affairs and business office of the organization. A volunteer Board of Directors governs the organization.

How do I obtain more information?
Our mailing address is: 88 Bartley Road, Flanders, New Jersey 07836; Tel: (973) 252-9800 Fax: (973) 252-7171; e-mail: tdi@gti.net; website: www.tdi-dog.org.

Therapy Dogs International, Inc. © 2005



An Overview What is Therapy Dogs International? Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed. When was TDI established? TDI was founded in 1976 in New Jersey (Founder, Elaine Smith). What types of dogs are used? TDI registers all breeds of dogs. Some dogs have pedigrees, while others have been adopted from local shelters or are rescue dogs. How many dogs are registered? Year 2005, over 14,000 dogs and approximately 12,200 handlers are registered with TDI. Where do the dogs volunteer? We have volunteer dogs and their handlers in all 50 states as well as some in Canada. What are the requirements for joining TDI? To belong to Therapy Dogs International, Inc., all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperment. Each dog must pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC), and a temperment evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog. The test will also demonstrate the evaluation of the dog's behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.). What are the health requirements? We require our Health Record Form to be completed and signed by a Licensed Veterinarian. How is the organization funded? TDI is a non-profit organization supported through annual membership dues. How is the organization managed? Ursula A. Kempe, a full time volunteer President/CEO is directing the affairs and business office of the organization. A volunteer Board of Directors governs the organization. How do I obtain more information? Our mailing address is: 88 Bartley Road, Flanders, New Jersey 07836; Tel: (973) 252-9800 Fax: (973) 252-7171; e-mail: tdi@gti.net; website: www.tdi-dog.org. Therapy Dogs International, Inc. © 2005