Therapy dog visits at home in West Orange, NJ

A visit, step by step

The handler arrives, lets the dog settle, then brings it over slowly. Many dogs know a few tricks, and handlers often let the person give commands or a treat. Brushing a dog is a surprisingly peaceful thing to do on a gray afternoon.

The handler stays with the dog the whole time and manages everything. It is a friendly visit and not a medical service.

Visits move at the person's pace. If someone just wants to rest a hand on the dog's back and chat with the handler, that is a perfectly good visit. If they want to try a few commands, the handler will show them how.

When families book it

Therapy dog visits are popular after someone gives up a pet, moves into a smaller place, or spends more time at home in winter. They also suit someone who is shy with new people, since the dog becomes the topic of conversation.

Check for allergies and tell the handler about other pets in the house before booking.

Families sometimes book a dog visit when grandchildren are around, since it gives everyone something to enjoy together in the living room.

If the person used to have a dog, it is worth mentioning the breed and name to the handler. Those memories often become the best part of the conversation, and some handlers will bring photos to share.

Animal lovers in West Orange

West Orange is home to Turtle Back Zoo in South Mountain Reservation, so many families here already have a habit of animal outings with the grandchildren. A therapy dog visit brings a bit of that at home on the days a zoo trip is too much. If the person is up for it and the weather is good, a handler might suggest a slow walk to the end of the driveway or along the block.

Handlers sometimes bring photos of their other dogs, which leads to more stories.

Cost and booking

Therapy dog teams set an hourly rate between $50 and $150. Most visits are an hour. A $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee are added at checkout. Book a single visit or the same time every week. After each visit the handler writes a short note family members can read.

You can message a handler before booking to ask about their dog's size, energy level and favorite tricks. Contact details stay private in messages. If plans change, cancellation is free up to 3 days before. Gift cards are also available from $50.