What might indicate that a dog is a therapy dog?

A dog that is recognized as a therapy dog is primarily characterized by its role in providing comfort, support, and emotional assistance to individuals, especially those in healthcare or educational settings. When a dog is brought to provide comfort to numerous individuals, it reflects its intended purpose as a therapy animal, designed to enhance the well-being of people through interaction.

Therapy dogs are often used in various environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster relief efforts, to help reduce anxiety, promote healing, and foster emotional connections. Their presence can be soothing and can significantly improve the emotional state of individuals, which aligns directly with the definition and function of therapy dogs.

The other options do not accurately reflect what defines a therapy dog. A dog being kept on a leash at all times does not distinguish it as a therapy dog, as leashes are commonly used for safety and control regardless of the dog's role. A specific role in financial transactions would imply a different kind of functioning, possibly relating to service dogs or emotional support animals, but not therapy dogs specifically. Lastly, while therapy dogs might wear vests identifying their role, there is no universal requirement for them to wear a uniform, as this can vary depending on the organization or the context in which they are