Therapy dogs bring comfort and smiles to hospitals, schools, libraries, and community events. If your dog is friendly, calm, and enjoys meeting new people, we’d love to help you get started.

Paws Up Daycare & Boarding is a proud sponsor of Go Team Therapy Dogs and serves as a local coordinator for the DFW Go Team. Learn more about the national program at their website https://goteamdogs.org/

Free Therapy Dog Evaluations

Curious if your dog is a good fit? We offer free evaluations to help you understand your dog’s readiness and outline next steps.

What we look for:

• People-loving temperament and good manners around other dogs

• Comfort with gentle handling, wheelchairs, walkers, and novel environments

• Ability to settle, focus on the handler, and enjoy calm interactions

• Must have or be ready to pass the AKC CGC

• Dog must be at least 1 year old.

How it works:

1. Book your free evaluation (20–30 minutes).

2. We’ll spend some time seeing how your dog responds to certain situations they will encounter as a therapy dog.

3. If your team is a match, we’ll guide you on the Go Team Therapy Dogs certification path.

Schedule your free evaluation:
Call/Text 469-409-3044 · Email [email protected]
Visit us: 2200 Los Rios Blvd, Suite 130, Plano, TX 75074

Upcoming Training Weekend — Go Team Therapy Dogs

Dates: Saturday, September 27, 2025 (weekend kickoff)
Location: Paws Up Daycare & Boarding, Plano, TX
Hosted by: Paws Up (DFW Go Team coordinator)

Details & registration: Please visit Go Team Therapy Dogs for official requirements, application steps, and fees.

Not sure if you’re ready? Book a free evaluation with us first. We’ll help you prepare so training day feels easy and fun.

What Is a Therapy Dog (and What It Isn’t)?

• Therapy dogs are family pets trained to provide comfort and encouragement during volunteer visits.

• Service dogs are individually trained for a person with a disability and have different legal access rights.

• Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort to their owners but are not the same as therapy dogs.

For eligibility, testing standards, and how visits work, please see Go Team Therapy Dogs Website.

How to Get Started

1. Free Evaluation at Paws Up – temperament check, basic skills, and a personalized prep plan.

2. Practice & Prep – we’ll share simple home exercises (grooming tolerance, handling, polite greetings).

3. Apply with Go Team – follow the steps outlined on Go Team Therapy Dogs Website.

4. Attend Training Weekend – beginning September 27, 2025 at Paws Up.

5. Begin Visiting – after you complete certification and team onboarding.