What is the difference between a Therapy Dog and a Service Dog?

Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to various individuals and groups, while service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers who have disabilities.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Inc. is an international registry of certified therapy dog teams. ATD provides testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities.

How do my dog and I become a 17th Circuit team?

First of all, you must be certified by ATD and have six months of community visits. Then, contact Mary Ellen Commare at maryellen@17ththerapydogs.org or 815-289-1568 to complete the process. We will be happy to have you!

Who certifies dogs for ATD and the 17th Circuit?

Kathleen Alsup certifies for ATD and the 17th Circuit. Dogs who have been certified by another evaluator or another organization will need to be evaluated and approved by Kathleen Alsup prior to acceptance in the 17th Circuit program.

How much time is involved in volunteering?

We recommend 2 visits per month. However, we have teams that do many more. We are understanding of individual circumstances and availability.

I have a job during the day, are there times I can do visits in the evenings and the weekends?

Yes, besides courtrooms and schools, there are many community events our dogs visit.

17th Circuit Therapy Dog Volunteers, Inc.

Therapy Dogs at National Night Out Activities

Teams will be present at the National Night Out activities on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. They will be located in downtown Rockford and at Harlem High School to interact with the community. Community members are welcome to greet the therapy dogs and their handlers.

17th Circuit Therapy Dog Volunteers, Inc.

17th Circuit Therapy Dog Volunteers, Inc.

17th Circuit Therapy Dog Volunteers, Inc.

17th Circuit Therapy Dog Volunteers, Inc.

Therapy Dogs at National Night Out Activities

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