The Certification Standard for Clinical Canine Work

The Clinical Canine Institute (CCI) is a credentialing program for handlers and their canine partners pursuing advanced clinical engagement. Developed by a licensed clinical social worker and certified dog trainer, CCI sets a higher standard than generic therapy dog registries — because clinical settings demand more.

The Gap CCI is Filling

Most therapy dog certification programs were designed for hospital visits and school reading programs. That work matters — but it's not the same as bringing a canine partner into a trauma-informed therapy session, a residential treatment program, or a crisis stabilization unit.

CCI was developed to address that gap: a rigorous, clinically-grounded framework that evaluates not just the dog's behavior, but the handler's clinical readiness and the quality of the partnership itself.

CCI is Designed For

  • Licensed mental health clinicians integrating a canine partner into their practice

  • Facilities seeking to establish or elevate an animal-assisted intervention program

  • Trained handlers working in clinical, educational, or residential settings

  • Organizations that want a credentialing standard for their canine teams

The CCI Framework Evaluates

  • Canine behavioral stability in clinical environments

  • Stress signals, arousal management, and welfare monitoring

  • Handler clinical knowledge and professional ethics

  • Therapeutic application and appropriate use of the canine partner

  • Documentation, safety protocols, and client considerations

  • Team cohesion and attunement between handler and dog

What You Earn

Handlers who complete CCI receive certification as a Clinical Canine Partner — a credential that reflects genuine clinical readiness, not just a passed temperament test.

CCI certification can be used to demonstrate competency to licensing boards, employers, facilities, and clients.

Interested in CCI certification for yourself, your team, or your facility?

Schedule a CCI Consultation