Unlike a service dog, a therapy dog is a pet trained to interact with many people other than its handler to make those people feel better. Therapy dogs are also trained to behave safely around all sorts of people, and are often certified.
A therapy-dog handler is not granted public-access rights by any service-dog laws to take the dog out everywhere . . . because the handler does not have a disability the dog is individually trained to mitigate. Therapy dogs are allowed only into places like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and libraries by prior agreement (again, not by service-dog laws).
https://www.psychdogpartners.org/resources/frequently-asked-questions/laws
What Do Therapy Dogs Do?
Their responsibilities are to provide psychological or physiological therapy to individuals other than their handlers. These dogs have stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personalities. Typically, they visit hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes, and more. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they are on duty, including [permitting individuals to pet] the therapy dog.
Therapy dogs may also visit schools, day care settings, group homes, and rehabilitation centers. Their roles vary—from dogs who give learning-disabled children the confidence to read out loud to [dogs] actively participating in physical rehabilitation therapy. In some cases, a therapy dog will work exclusively in an establishment such as a psychotherapy practice.
Therapy dogs may be trained by just about anyone, but must meet set standards to be registered and actively participate in [formal] programs. They are usually handled by their owners, but in some cases of animal-assisted therapy, the therapy dog may be handled by a trained professional.
Despite thorough training, registration, and the therapeutic benefits therapy dogs provide, they do not have the same jobs or legal designation as service dogs. While some institutions offer therapy dogs access on a case-by-case for the benefit of patients, guests, customers, or clientele, the handlers or owners of therapy dogs do not have the same rights to be accompanied by these dogs in places where pets are not permitted.
https://www.therapydogs.com/difference-therapy-dog-vs-service-dog/
How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?
Although owners can make the rounds spreading a little happiness with their dogs on an informal basis, some facilities require that dogs be certified.
Before you begin the process of certification, says Mary Galloway—veterinarian, behaviorist, and founder of the Fairfax County Pets on Wheels—you must first know your dog. Is your dog comfortable with people and able to handle new situations? Is he or she comfortable around other dogs? Can he or she tolerate loud or unfamiliar noises without bolting for the nearest door?
Once you are satisfied that your dog’s temperament is perfect for a therapy dog, check your local area for certification organizations. Therapy Dog, Inc., and PetPartners (formerly Delta Society) are two national organizations that will help you locate services in your area.
Your local evaluator will determine if your dog is right for the job by evaluating if your dog:
▪ Is comfortable being in crowds
▪ Is friendly and confident
▪ Will initiate contact and stay engaged
▪ Is able to cope with stressful situations
▪ Doesn’t jump up on people
▪ Is comfortable being touched (at times awkwardly)
▪ Is able to disregard food or toys on cue
▪ Feels comfortable around health care equipment
Commands such as sit, down, stay, come, and leave it must be part of your dog’s repertoire. As the handler, you need to know your dog well enough to pick up signs of stress and be able to reassure your pet. Dogs must also have a current rabies certificate and be up to date on all immunizations that are considered necessary by your state and veterinarian.
With certificate in hand, you can now register you and your dog as a therapy team with one of the national therapy dog organizations. Registration allows you to enroll in an insurance program for therapy dogs that many facilities require.
http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/what-is-involved-therapy-dog-training/
What Is a Comfort Dog?
After stressful and traumatic events, people can seek relief in a variety of ways—talking with friends and loved ones, seeking counseling from professionals, or even through petting and cuddling with animals. You may have heard the term “therapy dog” or “comfort dog” and thought they were the same thing. For people who work in this field, there’s actually a distinction between the two.
Therapy dogs operate in non-emergency environments. Think of a college library packed with stressed students during finals—an environment that is definitely tense, but different from an active emergency.
Comfort (or “crisis response”) dogs work during active crises and in emergency situations, both natural and manmade. They can offer a calming presence and a welcome distraction to those affected by disasters [who may be] in shelters or in common public gathering spaces.
https://www.fema.gov/blog/2016-03-22/beginners-guide-comfort-dogs
