California legal term
Therapy dog in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Therapy dog” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “Therapy dog” mean in California criminal law?
“Therapy dog” means a dog that has successfully completed training, certification, or evaluation in providing emotional support therapy in settings including, but not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, provided by the American Kennel Club, Therapy Dogs Incorporated, or a similar nonprofit organization, and has been performing the duties of a therapy dog for not less than one year. (Cal. Penal Code § 868.4)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.