Carol –

AKC doesn’t have anything to do with therapy dogs, but they might ought too.  Anyway there are several national organization Therapy Dogs International and Delta Society that you can get certified with, or there are also local organizations.  I am with a local organization in Texas, Therapy Pet Pals of Texas.  You can look on the internet and find organizations near you.  You then go through and evaluation and they are all pretty much the same.  The evaluation is very similar to what it takes to get a CGC plus being able to handle medical equipment and strange behavior from people, think about people with disabilities, autism, etc.  The medical equipment is usually wheelchairs, crutches, etc.  I did a google search and found therapy dog organizations in my area and then I talked to several until I found one that was a fit for me and my girl, Belle.

It is incredibly rewarding and the dogs absolutely love the work.  PM me if you have additional questions of need help getting started as a therapy dog team.  I would be glad to help you look into it and advise you.