Therapy dogs volunteer their time visiting hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, schools, libraries and most anywhere they can provide support and relief.  Through their visits, Therapy Dogs have been known to:
    - alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress in the homebound or institutionalized patient.
    - stimulate spontaneous performance of active ROM exercises, especially of the hand.
    - relax pre-existing contractures due to arthritis.
    - increases motivation to get out of bed in the morning.
    - decreases blood pressure.
    - have been seen to increase awareness in the cognitively impaired.
    - stimulates social interaction, as patients share memories and the experience.

Dogs are "certified" as therapy dogs through a variety of organizations across the US and the world.  Dogs typically must pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen requirements as well as some additional exercises to verify the dogs will respond well in  a "therapy" environment.