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.

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

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

Year 2005, over 15,000 dogs and approximately 12,526 handlers are registered with TDI.

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

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.).

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

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

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.