If you’ve been an active Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) team for over a year, chances are you already know how meaningful this work can be. You and your dog bring comfort, connection, and joy to your community, and you love every moment of it. But maybe you’ve started to feel a gentle nudge that there’s more you could be doing.
If you have a strong understanding of dog behavior, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make an even greater impact, it might be time to consider becoming a Tester/Observer (T/O) with ATD.
So, what does that next step look like? Let’s dive in.
What do T/Os do?
T/Os are truly the heart of ATD’s certification process. They serve on the front lines, guiding and supporting prospective therapy dog teams as they begin their journey.
As a T/O, you’ll:
- Administer the Handling Assessment and 3-4 Observations.
- Evaluate teams using the ATD Certification Test.
- Provide thoughtful, honest feedback and detailed notes.
- Mentor handlers by sharing insights into their dog’s behavior.
- Offer guidance to help teams grow in skill and confidence.
More than evaluators, T/Os are mentors, coaches, and encouragers. Your experience becomes a valuable resource that helps shape the future of therapy dog teams in your community.
A Flexible, Volunteer-Driven Role
One of the best parts? This role is entirely volunteer-based and designed with flexibility in mind.
You’ll have the freedom to:
- Set your own testing schedule.
- Choose your preferred locations.
There are just a couple of key expectations:
- Respond to inquiries from prospective Members within 10 business days.
- Offer a Handling Assessment date within 3 months.
It’s a balanced commitment that allows you to give back in a bigger way, without overwhelming your schedule.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
To be considered for the T/O role, you’ll need to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an ATD Member in good standing.
- Have completed at least 1 renewal cycle.
- Have logged a minimum of 12 in-person volunteer visits.
If you’ve checked these boxes, you’re already well on your way.
How to Apply
Getting started is simple:
- Email the ATD Office to express your interest.
- Complete the T/O application.
- Submit your application back to the ATD Office.
- The Certification Committee will review your application.
- You’ll be notified once a decision has been made.
If any questions come up during the review process, the Committee will reach out, so you’re supported every step of the way.
What is expected of a T/O?
T/Os play an important role as ambassadors of ATD. That means leading by example and helping maintain the high standards that make the organization so respected.
As a T/O, you’ll be expected to:
- Follow the ATD and T/O Code of Ethics.
- Uphold and model ATD Rules and Regulations.
- Stay familiar with the ATD Member and T/O Handbooks.
- Conduct ATD Certification Tests according to the ATD guidelines.
- Communicate in a respectful, supportive, and professional manner.
This role is a privilege granted by the ATD Board of Directors, and it comes with the responsibility to remain professional, responsive, and engaged, including completing an annual review to stay active.
Ready for the next step?
Becoming a T/O is more than just a new volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to multiply your impact.
You’re no longer just serving your community with your own dog. You’re helping build teams that will go on to make a difference in countless lives. Your knowledge, encouragement, and leadership can shape the next generation of therapy dog teams.
If you’ve ever felt called to mentor, coach, and elevate others, this could be the perfect next step in your therapy dog journey. If you’re ready to take that step, reach out to the ATD Office today at office@therapydogs.com or 307-432-0272.Your experience matters and your next chapter could make an even bigger difference.
