FAQ
Everything people ask before they book.
If your question is not here, ask us. We would rather answer it than leave you guessing.
For everyone
Is Snoop a therapy dog?+
No. Snoop is an accredited dog mentor on The Dog Mentor programme. The name matters: children hear therapy and ask why they need it. A dog mentor is for everyone in the building. The training also covers far more than a traditional therapy dog scheme allows.
Is he insured, and who covers what?+
Snoop has public liability insurance as a working dog. If you are a school, your own public liability usually covers visiting practitioners too. We can share the documents on booking.
Does he go off the lead?+
No. Snoop is on the lead in every setting. Some settings progress to off lead work after years on the programme. We are not there and we are not in a hurry.
Is there research behind this?+
Yes. The Dog Mentor is studied by a research team at the University of Lincoln. The first peer reviewed paper, on neurodivergent children, was published in 2026. Studies on attendance and school avoidance are under way.
Can we meet Snoop first?+
Yes, and we recommend it. A short introduction at a quiet time is usually the first visit.
What area do you cover?+
South West Hertfordshire. Further afield by arrangement.
For schools
What about allergies, phobias and children whose faith means they avoid dogs?+
Tell us before we book. Snoop is a low shedding breed but not hypoallergenic. Children who are frightened of dogs or who avoid them for faith reasons are never made to take part, and often choose to join in later on their own terms. We have guidance from the programme on all three.
How long is a session, and how many children?+
Individual sessions are 20 to 45 minutes. Small groups up to six. Whole class regulation is short, and only with the head teacher behind it. Snoop works half a day at most.
What happens if a child is scared or upset?+
Snoop stays with the handler and the child sets the distance. If a child is dysregulated we do not bring him close. If a child is very sad he is often exactly what helps, and we let the child decide.
Can our staff work with Snoop without Sasha?+
Not at the moment. The Dog Mentor can train additional handlers in your school, and we can talk to them about that with you.
What paperwork will we get?+
A risk assessment written for your site, insurance documents, Snoop's dog assessment on request, and a DBS certificate for the handler.
How much does it cost?+
From £80 an hour for handler and dog, with half day blocks and packages available. Every setting is planned individually.
For families
My child will not leave the house. Can this still work?+
Often, yes. We start with a letter and a photo from Snoop, then meet somewhere quiet at a quiet time. Other people tend to look at the dog, not at your child, which takes the pressure off.
Is this therapy?+
No. Sasha is a children's mentor. Sessions sit alongside any therapy or school support already in place.
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