Training and Certifications
Dogs With A Purpose does not train therapy dogs. We certify through testing and we manage your visits to facilities.
Dogs must have completed the AKC Canine Good Citizenship Test before the final exam. This is administered through a dog trainer.
Certification Exams are typically held twice a year in a group setting with as many as 15 dogs at one time. The test is taken place in Cary at a borrowed dog training facility. You must be prepared as assistance and training will not be provided. We need to “keep the test moving” A team of evaluators will be observing and grading you and your dog not only completing the tasks but behaving even while waiting for your turn. The evaluation team is made up of former and current therapy dog handlers.
What you need to know:
In order to test the following must be met:
The dog must be 1 year old or more on the date of the final test
The dog must be in good health (some exceptions apply such as arthritis which will be accommodated during testing in certain tasks)
Dogs are considered in good health with a missing limb, an eye, or is deaf. Illnesses controlled by medication is handled case by case. Some of these issues can actually be a positive when visiting patients. Non-corrective collars and harnesses are required for testing
No treats during testing.
Dog cannot be in heat
Required Documentation for testing:
Completed testing registration form
Veterinarian form completed and signed by vet
Payment of invoice prior to testing date
Proof of passing AKC CGC Canine Good Citizens Exam by date of final exam
Test Sequence
Practice Exam – 90 minute test with several other dogs.
Optional but highly recommended as it will show the handler exactly what is on the test, the order and the speed on how the test runs.
Fee is only $15 to encourage handlers to take it
This gives the evaluators and the handlers an indication of the temperament of the dog and the skill set of testing items.
Any tasks the dog does not do well on is not applied toward the final test. Purpose is to give the handler confidence in what to expect on test day.
Upon completion you will be provided a “report card” to let you know how you did on each test items.
Pretest - 90 minute test with several other dogs.
Required without any make up dates.
Fee is $25
Will be counted toward your final test
A “report card” will be provided along with private summary with evaluators
Final exam – 90 minute test with several other dogs
Required without any make up dates
Only for dogs and handlers who have been invited based on performance at the Pretest
Fee is $75
Results on the exam will be provided on the date of final test.
Fall 2026 Certification Test Information
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Practice Test
September 19, 2026 7:00am – 9:00am
Optional but highly recommended
$15 Fee
This is a practice of the exam which has the identical tasks as the final exam. Checklist of recommendations provided after the test. This will give you an indication of which items you need to work on during the next 4 weeks before the pretest.
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Pretest
October 17, 2026 7:00am – 9:00am
Required – no make ups
$25 Fee
Checklist of recommendations provided after the test. At this point your dog should have no or minimal corrections.
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Final Exam
October 24, 2026
Must be invited back by the evaluators based on performance
Required – no make ups
$75 Fee
Upon passing the exam with a score of 100% you will be provided a membership packet with information for registering to become a therapy team at Dogs With A Purpose. The initial membership fee is $85, the Annual membership fee is $50.
All exams take place at 230 E. Johnson Street, Cary NC
Testing Registration
Health and Vaccination Information
Please upload proof of vaccinations from your vet when applying to be a therapy dog team.
Required vaccinations and exams include:
Rabies - must be given by a veterinarian.
DHHP - Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus.
Annual health exam
Annual fecal test
Annual heart worm test
