Therapy Dog Program
Join Our Las Vegas Therapy Dog Program
Therapy dog training in Las Vegas is about more than good manners. It is about preparing confident, steady, and compassionate teams that can safely bring comfort and connection into the community. At Michael’s Angel Paws, our Therapy Dog Program is designed for dogs who enjoy human interaction, remain calm in new environments, and thrive when given a meaningful role. Through structured training and real-world exposure, we help transform naturally social dogs into dependable therapy partners.
If your dog seeks affection, responds well to guidance, and stays curious rather than reactive around unfamiliar sights such as wheelchairs, strollers, or crowded spaces, you may already be on the right path. Our program welcomes all domestic breeds and focuses on strengthening obedience, emotional stability, and communication between handlers. By completing the
AKC Canine Good Citizen training, participating in our Therapy Dog Group Class, and passing the Michael’s Angel Paws Therapy Dog Test, you and your dog can join a trusted Las Vegas community dedicated to spreading H.O.P.E., Helping Others Pawsitively Every Day.
how to become a therapy dog
Becoming a therapy dog team starts with a clear, trusted pathway. Our therapy dog training in Las Vegas is built on nationally recognized standards and real-world readiness, ensuring both dogs and handlers are prepared to serve safely and confidently. We welcome all domestic breeds and provide structured guidance at every stage, from foundational obedience to final evaluation, so you know exactly what is required and how to succeed.
- All dogs must be at least 1 year old to volunteer in our program.
- We accept all domestic dog breeds.
- Pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen. (AKC - CGC)
- Join our Therapy Dog Group Class to get started
- Pass the Michael’s Angel Paws Therapy Dog Test.
Therapy Dog Attributes
Does your dog have the right wag to become a Therapy Dog?
Does your dog constantly crave attention and beg to be pet?
Do you and your dog want to make a difference in other people’s lives?
Does your dog enjoy being around people of all ages and sizes?
Does your dog react calmly to unfamiliar objects? (Wheelchairs, strollers, skateboards, shopping carts, etc.)
Do you want to be a part of a greater community that advocates for the human-animal bond?
why our therapy dog program?
Since 2014, Michael’s Angel Paws has been a trusted leader in therapy dog training in Las Vegas, certifying more than 500 therapy dog teams that actively serve the community. Our program is built on experience, consistency, and a deep commitment to preparing dogs and handlers for meaningful volunteer work. Every team is trained to safely and confidently interact with people of all ages and abilities, ensuring each visit creates a positive and lasting connection.
As a local therapy dog agency, our impact stays close to home. Michael’s Angel Paws Therapy Dog teams have proudly volunteered throughout the Las Vegas Valley, including Clark County School District, Summerlin Hospital, Sunrise Children’s Hospital, Davis Funeral Home, and the Boulder City Veterans Home. Each team is supported by professional canine coaches who provide customized training based on individual needs, temperament, and real-world environments. Recognized by the American Kennel Club for meeting Therapy Program quality standards, our carefully curated training ensures teams are prepared to represent the highest level of professionalism, safety, and compassion wherever they serve.
Take the final step toward making a meaningful impact in the Las Vegas community. Our Therapy Dog Program prepares you and your dog to confidently give back through structured, professional training rooted in compassion and purpose. Through our Wagging Tails Therapy Dog Program, you will develop the skills, confidence, and reliability needed to spread H.O.P.E., Helping Others Pawsitively Every Day.
- First class held at Michael’s Angel Paws Indoor Training Center
- Four additional one-hour classes were conducted at real-world locations throughout Las Vegas
- Focused training on foundational obedience cues using an interactive training platform
- Weekly follow-up emails with individualized progress guidance
- Open to all breeds and ages
- Therapy Dog evaluation administered on the final day by a Certified Michael’s Angel Paws Therapy Dog Evaluator
Therapy Dog training
Prerequisite: AKC Canine Good Citizen Test
Mondays @ 6pm
March 9 - April 6
April 13 - May 11
Price: $195
saturdays @ 8AM
May 9 - June 6
June 13 - July 28 (No class on July 4)
July 25 - August 22
August 29 - October 3 (No class on September 5)
price: $195
saturdays @ 3:30pM
February 28th - March 28th
April 4th - May 2nd
price: $195
THERAPY DOG training Frequently asked questions
When can my dog begin training for the Therapy Dog Training Program?
The best time to start your pup’s therapy dog journey is now! Strong obedience skills are the heart of every successful therapy dog, and it all begins with our Foundation for Obedience class. As your pup grows in confidence and skill, you’ll move seamlessly into our Therapy Dog Group Class, where wagging tails turn into smiles and positive community connections.
How does your Renewal and Retesting work?
All teams are required to renew every year for updated vaccines, and are retested every two years. Our annual membership fee is $45.00.
Is there liability coverage with Michael’s Angel Paws?
Yes, as long as you volunteer with proper Michael’s Angel Paws identification.
Can my children join me during the Therapy Program and Therapy events?
Yes, your children are allowed to accompany you during your Therapy Dog training and at Therapy Dog events as long as the event or facility allows children.
Can my dog participate if they have a medical or physical disability?
Yes, we encourage dogs that have physical disabilities or other medical issues to be a part of our Therapy Dog program to encourage others.
You must follow all Veterinarian recommendations to ensure the health and safety of your dog.
What’s the difference between an Emotional Support Animal, a Therapy Dog and a Service Dog?
Therapy Dogs and their companions are a dynamic duo trained to spread joy and healing through their special bond and interaction with people. These furry therapists, often the beloved pets of their companions, join them on their visits to various locations. While Therapy Dogs aren’t granted public access by default, they can work their magic once they receive prior authorization and help others pawsitively every day.
Service dogs and animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Under the American Disabilities Act, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow Service Animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.
Service dogs and animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Under the American Disabilities Act, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow Service Animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.
Emotional support animals are defined as dogs whose mere presence provides comfort to an individual. Emotional support animals are not specifically trained to mitigate a disability, nor do they require the rigorous training of a service animal. Under the ADA, an emotional support animal is not granted public access.
