Therapy Dogs International

I have had two therapy dogs both certified through TDI. In the past year their server failed and all information was lost. Not having the server backed up or information managed by a third party was the first big mistake. Second mistake was taking months to notify members that this had occurred. A post on their main Facebook page, a message on their answering machine or another social media page could have helped. I called (no answer) repeatedly, sent in my health revord multiple times (no reply), sent in my visits sheets for a 50 visit award (no answer(. I only found out about this debaucle by randomly meeting someone who had heard what was going on. This person informed me TDI had a private Facebook page ( news to me after years and years). I joined and was shocked at what I saw. Loads of people asking what was going on, how could they get their credentials, worries about them needing to cease visits. The responses from TDI administrators were rude, nasty and in no way acceptable. I commented that I did not feel it was fair to ask people to send a renewal check when they had still not shown that they were able to get the lost files and the organization as a whole up and running again. I was then promptly kicked out of the Facebook group as were many others. We were treated horribly and to this day I have never received any reply on the material I sent in. I sent in my papers to receive my 50 visit title and those I assume are also now gone as they require originals be sent. I quickly pivoted( we were informed by one of the places we volunteer that they were dropping TDI and we needed to come up with a plan) tested and passed with another organization Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs. They answered the phone, have a website that was easily navigated and also responded to emails within 24 hours. To note for anyone reading. TDI is no longer recommended by AKC. Anyone considering getting their dog certified to do therapy should check the AKC recommended list.