J.C. is a registered Therapy Dog.
If you want to do this, the first step is obedience training. Your dog will also have to pass a test. If you tell the instructor what you want to do, they may be able to help you with the specific things you will have to know and also may know where the next testing will be done near you. There are a few different organizations that you can volunteer through, and each one is slightly different. We volunteer through one called Therapy Dogs International or TDI. I'm not sure about the others but one advantage of volunteering through TDI is that as long as you follow their guidelines while visiting, you are covered under their insurance policy if anything would happen. These days, with people sueing over the tiniest thing, it's nice to know you are protected. They also have a program where you earn certificates and titles aftr so many visits. They are awarded after 50,150,250 and 350 visits. We will be making our 50th visit this Saturday!
I can't tell you how great it feels to watch someone's face just light up when they see you coming towards them with your dog. It really is a great thing to do. Good luck!