What are best therapy dogs? Complete Guide for the United Kingdom
Therapy dogs in the United Kingdom are friendly, calm, and well-behaved dogs that visit people to give comfort, reduce stress, and lift mood in places like hospitals, care homes, schools, and workplaces. They are not the same as assistance dogs with legal access rights, but they still play a huge role in supporting mental and emotional wellbeing through gentle interaction, touch, and companionship.
Introduction
Across the UK, demand for therapy dogs has grown as more people struggle with stress, anxiety, loneliness, and burnout at work or in education. Therapy dogs visit groups or individuals, offering calm presence, cuddles, and play, which can lower heart rate, reduce anxiety, and make difficult environments (like hospitals or exams) feel more manageable. Unlike emotional support pets kept mainly at home, therapy dogs are usually part of organised schemes and are carefully assessed for temperament, training, and suitability for visiting busy or sensitive settings.
What Is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is a pet dog that has the right temperament and basic training to safely and calmly interact with many different people, including children, older adults, and those with physical or mental health conditions. The dog’s “job” is simply to be gentle, friendly, and steady: allowing people to pet, cuddle, talk to, or sit with them. Therapy dogs don’t have to perform complex tasks; instead, they provide emotional comfort, distraction from pain or fear, and a sense of connection, which can be especially powerful for people who feel isolated or overwhelmed.
Therapy Dog vs Assistance Dog
An assistance dog (for example, a guide dog for someone who is blind, or a mobility assistance dog) is highly trained to carry out specific tasks and has legal rights to enter most public places under the Equality Act 2010. A therapy dog does not have these legal rights and is not classed as an assistance dog. Therapy dogs visit by invitation and permission; they are there to improve wellbeing, not to perform daily tasks for one specific disabled person. Think of assistance dogs as “working partners” for one handler with strong legal protection, and therapy dogs as “visiting guests” who support wider groups but must follow each organisation’s rules.
Therapy Dog vs Emotional Support Animal
An emotional support animal (like an emotional support cat or dog) mainly helps one owner at home with mental health conditions, based on a letter from a health professional. In the UK, emotional support animals do not have special legal access rights either. A therapy dog, by contrast, usually works with an organisation, charity, or structured programme, visiting multiple people in hospitals, schools, offices, or care homes on a schedule. Emotional support animals are private companions; therapy dogs are community visitors brought in to help many people feel calmer and happier.
When Are Therapy Dogs Used?
Therapy dogs are used in many situations where people are stressed, anxious, in pain, or lonely. Common examples include hospital wards and hospices, where patients may feel scared or isolated; care homes, where older adults benefit from gentle touch and reminiscence; schools and universities, where therapy dogs help with exam stress, bullying recovery, or special educational needs; workplaces, where “wellbeing days” or regular sessions help staff handle pressure and burnout; and mental health settings, where interacting with a calm dog can reduce anxiety and build trust. They are also used in reading schemes, where children read aloud to a dog to gain confidence without fear of judgement.
Who Can Be a Therapy Dog in the UK?
There is no single “best breed,” but the best therapy dogs share similar traits: they are calm, friendly with strangers, gentle with hands and sudden movements, not easily frightened by noise or equipment, and able to settle quietly for long periods. Many medium-sized breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers do well, but smaller breeds (like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) and mixed-breed rescue dogs can also make fantastic therapy dogs. What matters most is temperament, health, and basic training, not pedigree. The dog should enjoy being touched, should not be reactive to other dogs or people, and should be comfortable in new environments.
Common Therapy Dog Breeds and Traits
Some popular choices in the UK include:
Labradors and Golden Retrievers: Very friendly, patient, and tolerant with children and adults.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Gentle lap dogs, ideal for care home visits.
Greyhounds: Surprisingly calm and quiet, often happy to lounge and be petted.
Mixed-breed rescue dogs: With the right temperament and training, they can be outstanding and also showcase rescue success stories.
Regardless of breed, dogs must be healthy, vaccinated, regularly groomed, and free from aggressive or fearful behaviours. The “best” therapy dog is one that is relaxed, enjoys human company, and can stay kind and steady even when people move clumsily, speak loudly, or use mobility aids.
Legal Status in the UK
Therapy dogs are not legally recognised in the same way as assistance dogs, so they do not have automatic rights to enter shops, restaurants, planes, or all workplaces. Access depends on permission from the organisation (such as a hospital trust, school, or business). Many places welcome therapy dogs under clear policies that cover hygiene, insurance, and risk assessments. If you want your dog to visit a location regularly, you typically work with a recognised therapy dog charity or scheme and follow their rules, rather than relying on any legal right to enter.
How Therapy Dog Schemes Work
Most therapy dog work in the UK is coordinated by charities or organised programmes. The typical process is:
You apply with your dog, providing health and vaccination proof.
Both you and your dog are assessed for suitability (temperament, basic obedience, handling skills).
If accepted, you receive guidance, ID, and insurance cover through the organisation.
Visits are arranged with partner venues such as schools, hospitals, or care homes.
You follow the charity’s code of conduct, including session length, hygiene, and safety rules.
Handlers are volunteers or, in some cases, paid staff in wellbeing roles. Sessions might be one-to-one visits or group activities, depending on the setting and needs.
Conditions That Benefit From Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs can support people with a wide range of conditions, including:
Anxiety and panic disorders (dogs provide grounding and calm focus).
Depression and loneliness (companionship and routine social interaction).
PTSD or trauma (safe, non-judgemental presence that helps rebuild trust).
Dementia (triggering memories, conversation, and emotional connection).
Autism and ADHD (structured, predictable interactions and sensory comfort).
Chronic pain or long-term illness (distraction and emotional relief during treatment).
They do not replace medical treatment or therapy but work alongside it as a gentle, low-risk extra support.
Workplace Therapy Dogs and Rules
In workplaces, therapy dog visits are usually arranged through HR or wellbeing teams, not by employees bringing personal pets in every day. Employers must consider health and safety, allergies, phobias, and the type of work being done. Common approaches include:
Scheduled “therapy dog days” in a designated room or quiet area.
Clear rules on hygiene (hand washing, no food areas).
Voluntary participation so people who dislike dogs are not forced to join.
Risk assessments and insurance checks.
A structured therapy dog visit is usually easier for employers to approve than constant pet access, as it’s controlled and planned.
Conditions for Refusing Therapy Dog Access
Venues can refuse therapy dog visits if:
There are strong infection control rules (for example in certain hospital units).
Allergies or phobias among residents, staff, or students cannot be reasonably managed.
There are safety concerns, such as aggressive behaviour from the dog or unsafe layouts.
The setting’s safeguarding or insurance policies do not allow animals.
In such cases, alternative wellbeing support is usually explored, like virtual sessions, outdoor meetings, or other mental health resources.
What a Therapy Dog Programme Should Include
A good therapy dog programme will cover:
Clear behaviour standards and basic obedience expectations.
Regular health checks, vaccination, and flea/worm prevention.
Handler training in reading dog body language and spotting stress.
Safeguarding and confidentiality rules when visiting vulnerable people.
Visit logs and feedback, to ensure the work is beneficial and safe for everyone.
This protects both people and dogs and keeps the work sustainable.
Getting Your Dog Assessed as a Therapy Dog
If you think your dog would make a good therapy dog:
Start with basic obedience (sit, stay, come, walk calmly on lead).
Socialise your dog with different ages, mobility aids, and environments.
Check your vet is happy with your dog’s health and temperament for visiting work.
Apply to a recognised UK therapy dog charity or scheme and complete their assessment.
Follow their training and induction, then start with simple, short visits.
Patience is key: even a lovely, gentle dog may need time to adjust to busy or emotional environments.
Documents and Evidence You May Need
When joining a therapy dog scheme or arranging visits, you may be asked for:
Up-to-date vaccination records.
Proof of flea and worm treatment.
A vet letter confirming fitness for therapy work.
Insurance details (often provided through the charity).
ID badges or uniform provided by the scheme.
Some settings may also ask for basic DBS checks for handlers, especially around children or vulnerable adults.
Using GetMedicalCertificate.com in the Process
Medical certificates and letters can support therapy dog use in specific situations. For example, a person with anxiety or PTSD might use GetMedicalCertificate.com to obtain a clear, doctor-signed letter explaining their condition and how structured therapy dog sessions form part of their wellbeing plan. This can help:
Employers understand why therapy dog days or quiet rooms are helpful.
Schools or universities approve participation or adjustments for students.
Organisations show they are responding reasonably to documented health needs.
GetMedicalCertificate.com allows users to complete an online form, chat with a registered doctor, and receive a PDF medical document that can be shared with HR, education providers, or programme coordinators, all without attending a clinic.
Getting Supporting Letters Online: Step-by-Step
To get a supporting medical letter that mentions therapy dog benefits:
Visit GetMedicalCertificate.com and choose the suitable certificate type (for example, a general or mental health-related note).
Fill in the secure questionnaire describing your condition, symptoms, and how contact with therapy dogs helps you cope (for example, reducing panic attacks or improving sleep).
Complete payment, then join a confidential text-based chat with a GMC-registered doctor for any clarifications or questions.
If appropriate, the doctor approves and issues a PDF letter with their full credentials, which is emailed to you within minutes.
You can print or forward this to schools, employers, or therapy dog providers to support your request or participation.
This can be especially useful when time is short or when NHS appointments are delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are therapy dogs legally recognised in the UK like assistance dogs?
No. Therapy dogs do not have automatic legal access rights under the Equality Act 2010, unlike assistance dogs. They visit places only with permission and according to local policies.
What breeds make the best therapy dogs?
Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cavaliers, Greyhounds, and many mixed breeds can be excellent therapy dogs. The key is calm temperament, friendliness, and enjoying gentle human contact more than any specific breed.
Can my own dog become a therapy dog?
Yes, if your dog is healthy, calm, and well-socialised. You’ll usually apply through a therapy dog charity or scheme that will assess both you and your dog, then help arrange suitable visits.
Can therapy dogs visit schools and workplaces?
Yes, many UK schools and employers invite therapy dogs for wellbeing sessions. However, each setting decides its own rules around allergies, safeguarding, and insurance, so visits must be agreed in advance.
Is there any support from doctors for therapy dog use?
Doctors and mental health professionals sometimes support the use of therapy dogs as part of a wider treatment plan. Services like GetMedicalCertificate.com can provide online medical letters explaining how these sessions help with conditions like anxiety or depression.
Do therapy dogs replace medication or counselling?
No. Therapy dogs are an extra support, not a replacement. They can make people feel calmer, safer, and more connected, but medical treatment and therapy are still important where needed.
How often do therapy dogs visit?
It depends on the programme. Some visit weekly, some monthly, and some for special events like exam periods or wellbeing days. Frequency is arranged between the handler, organisation, and scheme.
Can therapy dogs help children with autism or ADHD?
Yes, many children with autism or ADHD respond very well to calm, predictable interactions with dogs, which can help with focus, emotional regulation, and social skills, though every child is different.
What if someone is afraid of dogs?
Therapy dog visits should always be optional. Organisations usually inform people in advance, offer dog-free spaces, and allow anyone who is uncomfortable to opt out completely.
How can GetMedicalCertificate.com help me if I benefit from therapy dogs?
If therapy dog sessions are part of how you manage a health condition, GetMedicalCertificate.com can provide a fast, secure medical letter explaining your needs, which you can show to your employer, school, or other organisations to support reasonable, documented wellbeing adjustments.
Summary
Therapy dogs in the UK are calm, friendly dogs that visit people to improve emotional and mental wellbeing in settings like hospitals, schools, care homes, and workplaces. They are not assistance dogs and have no automatic legal access rights, but through good training, clear policies, and supportive medical documentation from services such as GetMedicalCertificate.com, they can safely and effectively bring comfort, confidence, and connection to many people who need an extra layer of kindness in their day.