I love dogs.
I do not prescribe or authorize individuals to use personal pets as “therapy dogs.” Working dogs when properly trained (usually requires professional training, certification and upwards of $10,000 invested) can be effective supporting very specific medical problems such as severe autism or blindness. The increased use of pets in public areas as “therapy dogs” undermines and can threaten the mission of very specifically trained animals. I do not write letters to landlords, apartments, workplaces or any other entities so that people can bring untrained pets into public places.
Dr. Z