At Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), we understand that both Handlers and their dogs may experience health changes over time. While ATD does not require annual in-person retesting for our therapy dog teams, we do require Reobservation by a Tester/Observer (T/O) whenever there is a change in the health of either the Handler or the dog. You might wonder: why is this necessary?
The answer is twofold: first, it ensures the continued safety and well-being of all participants in therapy visits; second, it fulfills the requirements of our insurance policy, which mandates that teams be observed by a local T/O after any health changes.
Changes in Your Dog’s Health
ATD Rule No. 25: Certified Dog Developing Disabilities and/or Stress
The Member/Handler must notify the ATD Office if the dog has developed any disability since the initial testing or shows signs of physical and/or mental distress during visits. The Handler/dog team will need to be retested with 1 Observation before continuing any visits.
Dogs are incredibly skilled at hiding pain and discomfort, and even subtle changes in their physical or mental abilities can impact how they interact during visits. A new disability or health issue may make your dog uncomfortable with being touched a certain way or with how certain people move.
Reobservation provides an extra set of eyes to ensure your dog is still comfortable and safe during visits. Handlers can sometimes become accustomed to subtle signs of discomfort or changes in behavior. A T/O can help identify these changes and offer guidance, ensuring your dog continues to thrive in their therapy role.
Changes in Your Health
ATD Rule No. 26: Handler Health Requirements and Developing Medical Issues
Handlers who have any fresh wounds, recent surgery, other injuries, infections, or any condition that may inhibit their ability to handle the dog safely may not do pet therapy visits until recovered and healed. Any Member/Handler who has had any change in medical condition since initial testing, even if temporary, that may impede their ability to safely handle their dog must notify the ATD Office. Examples of these medical conditions include but are not limited to stroke, broken limb, weakened strength, change in disability, change in mental or emotional condition, etc. These Member/Handlers may need to be retested and/or observed before continuing any visits.
As a Handler, new physical or mental disabilities may require adapting the way you interact with your therapy dog during visits. Safety is paramount – for the dog, the Handler, and those being visited. A local T/O can evaluate your situation, ensure compliance with ATD Rules, and provide practical suggestions to support safe, effective visits. No Handler should feel embarrassed about needing guidance or adjustments; Reobservation is simply part of maintaining safe, high-quality therapy work.
Why Reobservations Matter
Even small health changes, temporary or permanent, can affect how therapy dog teams interact during visits. Seeking Reobservation is not about creating obstacles; it’s about protecting everyone involved and ensuring your team can continue to provide safe, compassionate therapy.
If you are ever unsure whether a new health issue, yours or your dog’s, might affect your visits, contact the ATD Office. Our Office Staff is always available to discuss your situation and help determine the best next steps. Reobservation ensures that therapy dog teams can continue making a positive impact safely, confidently, and effectively.
