Therapy dog visits at home in Caldwell, NJ

How a visit goes

The handler rings the bell with the dog on a leash. After a hello at the door, they settle in wherever is comfortable, usually a living room chair with the dog sitting close or resting a head on a knee. Smaller dogs might sit on a lap if invited. Some dogs know a few tricks, and handlers are happy to show them off.

Conversation tends to follow the dog. People talk about the dogs they had growing up, the one that dug up the garden, the one that waited at the door. Handlers are good listeners.

Visits often take on a rhythm after a few weeks. The dog learns where the dog biscuits are kept (with the handler's permission), which chair to head for, and who gives the best ear scratches. People start looking forward to the day. Some keep a photo of the dog on the fridge or ask the handler for a picture to send to grandchildren. The handler keeps an eye on the dog the whole time and will end a visit early if the dog seems tired.

A walk down the block

If the person is up for it and the weather is right, many handlers will take a slow walk on the sidewalk with the dog. Caldwell's side streets off Bloomfield Avenue are good for a short loop. Holding a leash for part of the walk, with the handler right there, is something a lot of former dog owners enjoy.

For a longer outing, Grover Cleveland Park has paths and a picnic grove where a visit can continue on a bench. Ask the handler first, since some teams prefer to stay at the home.

Good to know

These visits are friendly time with a dog, not a medical service. The teams are certified for visiting and the handler is responsible for the dog at all times. It is a friendly, low key hour with an animal and a person who loves animals.

Tell the handler about allergies, fear of dogs in the household, other pets, or a cat that will not be pleased. They can suggest a smaller or calmer dog, or meeting on the porch first.

Booking and price

Each team sets an hourly rate between $50 and $150, with visits of 1, 1.5 or 2 hours. A $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee are added to each visit. Many families book weekly so the dog becomes a familiar face.

You can cancel at no charge until 3 days before the visit. After each visit, the handler writes a short note, which is a nice thing for a son or daughter in another state to read.