How Much Does Therapy Dog Training Cost?
Understanding the costs—and the rewards—of becoming a therapy team.
What Will Therapy Dog Training Cost?
The cost of becoming a therapy team depends on
- Your dog's experience,
- The training you need, and
- The therapy organization you choose for certification.
Most new therapy teams should plan for expenses in several areas.
DogSchooling Membership
DogSchooling offers four annual membership options:
- Columbia area — $875
- Long-Distance (more than 50 miles from our training center) — $785
- Columbia area Senior (65+) — $735
- Long-Distance Senior (65+) — $645
Membership includes weekly classes, private coaching when needed, online learning resources, and continued opportunities to prepare for therapy work throughout the year.
Most therapy organizations charge fees for certification, registration, or annual membership. Plan on approximately $50–$200, depending on the organization you choose and its requirements.
You should also budget for expenses such as:
- A well-fitting collar and leash.
- Regular grooming.
- Routine veterinary care and vaccinations.
- Travel to classes and volunteer visits.
Every therapy team's journey is a little different, so your total costs will vary.
Looking Beyond the Costs
Many handlers discover rewards they never expected.
You and your dog may:
- Build confidence together.
- Develop a deeper partnership.
- Meet remarkable people.
- Become part of your community in a new way.
- Discover the satisfaction of making someone else's day a little brighter.
Many handlers tell us they receive as much from therapy work as the people they visit.
How DogSchooling Approaches the Cost of Therapy Training
At DogSchooling in Columbia, Missouri, we believe every therapy team should understand both the financial commitment and the personal rewards before beginning the journey.
Our goals are:
- To be straightforward about the costs.
- To prepare therapy teams for meaningful service.
- To continue learning long after certification.
- To help every team discover the lasting rewards of sharing comfort, encouragement, and companionship with others.
Why So Many People Say It Was Worth It
The cost of therapy dog training is measured in dollars.
The value of therapy work is measured in lives touched, friendships formed, confidence gained, and moments shared.
To get started with us – Register as a Member. Questions? Contact Us.
About the Author
Ann Gafke has spent more than 50 years helping families understand why dogs behave as they do before teaching how to change those behaviors. As founder of DogSchooling in Columbia, Missouri, she has worked with thousands of puppies, family dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, and dogs with reactive or aggressive behaviors.
Why Families Choose DogSchooling
- More than 50 years serving Mid-Missouri families
- Positive, reward-based training
- Weekly classes with private coaching included
- Video feedback between classes
- Puppy, family, therapy, service, and reactive dog programs