Therapy dog visits at home in Short Hills, NJ

What happens during a visit

Mostly, the person and the dog get to know each other. There's petting, brushing, maybe a treat or two if the handler allows it, and a dog leaning comfortably against a knee. Some dogs know a few tricks. Many people spend the visit talking about dogs they've owned, and handlers love hearing those stories.

Handlers are trained to watch for signs that someone's tired or that the dog needs a break. Visits stay calm.

There's no script. Some visits are mostly quiet, with a hand resting on a warm head and the television off for once. Others turn into an hour of stories about the family beagle from 1972. Both are good visits. The handler follows the person's lead and keeps things easy.

Matching the right dog

Therapy dogs come in all sizes. A small dog can sit beside someone on the sofa. A big, gentle dog suits someone who wants to sit in a chair and rest a hand on its head. When you message handlers, describe the person and the home: other pets, stairs, a walker, a fragile hip.

If the visit goes well, ask to book the same team weekly. The dog starts to know the house, and the person starts to look forward to Tuesday or Thursday.

It's also worth thinking about timing. Many people are brightest in the morning or right after lunch. Book the visit for the part of the day when the person usually feels best, and keep it on the same day each week if you can.

A walk, if it suits

For someone who's steady on their feet, a short stroll with the dog and handler can be a highlight. Taylor Park on Main Street in Millburn has walking paths, and Old Short Hills Park has an open field with a bench by the pond. Talk it through with the handler first; most visits simply stay at home.

Therapy dog visits aren't a medical service. They're a happy, regular visit with a well-trained dog.

Cost and booking

Handlers set an hourly rate between $50 and $150, with visits of 1, 1.5 or 2 hours. An hour is the usual choice. A $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee apply at checkout. Cancel free up to 3 days before; between 3 days and 12 hours, half the price is charged.

A weekly visit at the same time works best, because the dog and the person get used to each other quickly. Many families book every week until they cancel and adjust from there.