Therapy Dog support: what it means and who it helps

A Therapy Dog is a dog that gives comfort, emotional support or reassurance to someone who benefits from their presence. Some people need their dog with them to help ease stress, reduce anxiety, or manage a mental health condition. Others rely on their dog to stay calm in busy or overwhelming places. Therapy Dogs are not trained to do specific physical tasks like guide dogs, but they do make a real difference to their owner’s wellbeing.

Therapy Dogs can be any breed, size or age. What matters most is their temperament. They need to be calm, friendly and gentle, and able to stay focused on their owner even in noisy or unfamiliar settings. Some dogs are registered with Therapy Dog charities or trained through specific programmes, but many are not. If a dog brings stability or confidence to its owner, it may be used in a therapy role even without formal registration.

Therapy Dogs can be seen in homes, care settings, schools, and out in public. When someone has a dog by their side to help them cope, others may not always understand the reason. That’s where our card can help make things clearer.

Therapy Dogs and the Equality Act: what the law says

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 sets out rights for people with disabilities, including the right to bring Assistance Dogs into places that normally don’t allow animals. This covers guide dogs for blind people, hearing dogs for the deaf, and other highly trained dogs that help with physical tasks. These dogs are legally protected and must be allowed in public spaces like restaurants, shops and public transport.

Therapy Dogs, however, are not covered under the Equality Act in the same way. They are not considered Assistance Dogs unless they have been trained by an organisation recognised by ADUK (Assistance Dogs UK). This means Therapy Dogs do not have automatic legal access to places that ban pets. A business has the right to say no to a Therapy Dog, even if that dog helps someone stay mentally well.

That can lead to awkward or stressful situations. The person with the Therapy Dog might feel embarrassed or judged. Staff might be unsure of the rules or concerned about complaints. Clear communication makes all the difference.

How our Therapy Dog ID Card helps explain your dog’s role

Our card is designed to support people who rely on a Therapy Dog but don’t have legal access rights. It explains, in a polite and simple way, that the dog is not just a pet but plays an important part in its owner's emotional wellbeing. The card asks for understanding and politely requests that the owner and dog are not separated.

The front of our card includes a photo of the dog, the dog’s name, the owner's name, and a friendly message that introduces the Therapy Dog. The message on the right-hand side says:

My human needs me! Please do not separate us!

This message is clear, polite and non-confrontational. It helps avoid difficult conversations and shows that the dog is there for a genuine reason. While our card does not carry legal weight, it can help shift attitudes and encourage empathy, especially in environments where people may be unsure or hesitant.

Why our Therapy Dog ID Card gives peace of mind

Carrying our card gives people who use a Therapy Dog an extra layer of support. It provides a ready-made explanation without needing to speak up or justify themselves in the moment. Some people struggle with verbal communication, especially in stressful situations. Our card does the talking for them.

The compact size means it fits easily into a wallet or pocket. It’s made from biodegradable plastic, just like a credit card, so it’s easy to carry and long-lasting. The photo helps people immediately connect the message to the dog in front of them, which can help reduce tension or confusion in public places.

For many, just having our card to hand brings more confidence when going out. Whether it’s used at a café, shop, train station or community space, it shows that the dog is not there by chance — they are there because someone genuinely needs them. It doesn’t grant access, but it does help avoid misunderstanding.

A Therapy Dog ID Card from The Card Project UK shows respect and responsibility

We understand that not everyone knows the difference between a Therapy Dog and an Assistance Dog. Some may wrongly assume a Therapy Dog has the same rights. Others may treat it as if it’s just a pet with no role at all. Neither is helpful.

Our card helps explain the difference in a friendly, responsible way. It doesn’t make demands. It asks politely. It encourages people to show kindness and give space where possible. This makes life easier for the person who relies on their dog — and it gives businesses a clearer picture too.

Having our card shows that you are prepared and respectful. It helps set a tone of calm and trust. In many cases, that’s enough to avoid problems and continue with your day without extra stress.

Let people know your Therapy Dog matters — carry our card with confidence

You know how important your dog is. You know the role they play and the support they give. But not everyone will see that straight away. That’s why carrying our card can help bridge that gap.

Order your Therapy Dog ID Card from The Card Project UK today and take one simple step that could make all the difference next time you're out with your dog.