Austin Area FAQ for Sonder
Where can I train and certify a therapy dog near Austin?
• The Dog Alliance (Cedar Park): Therapy dog classes, team evaluations, and community placements.
• Divine Canines (Austin): Volunteer‑led therapy dog nonprofit offering training and team support.
• National registries that most facilities accept: Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Pet Partners.
Which hospitals or facilities around Austin welcome therapy dog teams?
• We have a number of assisted living and skilled nursing communities who are eager for more pet therapy visits.
What paperwork do facilities usually require?
• Veterinary health records and vaccine verification.
How do I get started with Sonder?
- Email your interest with registry card, vaccine record, and driver license to our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@sonderhospice.com
- Our coordinator will schedule a brief orientation and one shadow visit, then place you on a route that matches your dog’s temperament and your schedule.
Quick safety notes
• Skip visits if your dog shows stress signals, has GI upset, or has received a new vaccine within 48 hours.
• Ask before placing paws on a bed or lap.
• Follow staff direction in memory care and during active care tasks.
Internal Links (Sonder)
• Volunteer with Your Dog: /volunteer
• Therapy Team Standards: /therapyteam
• Therapy Dog FAQ: /pettherapyfaq
• Request a Visit Day: /requestvisit
• Contact Sonder: /contact
External Links (Austin Local Training and Certification Organizations)
Training and local programs
• The Dog Alliance – Therapy Dog Training and Requests: https://thedogalliance.org/therapy-dog-training/ and https://thedogalliance.org/request-a-therapy-dog/
• Divine Canines – Austin Therapy Dog Nonprofit: https://divinecanines.org/ and volunteer info: https://divinecanines.org/get-involved/
Bring comfort with your dog. If you live in Austin, Cedar Park, Buda, Kyle, Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, or nearby and have a calm, people loving dog, we would love to meet you.