Service dogs are special

Service dogs are very special animals. No doubt you have seen them and marveled at how they serve their partners. They are loyal, helpful, and affectionate. The bond between a person and his or her service dog is one of mutual respect. A dog is a social animal and will become a member of the family. This connection of love and trust is essential to the success of a human partnership with a service dog.

What can you expect from your service dog?

Receiving a service dog is both an honor and a responsibility. It is essential that you understand that while you will come to depend on your dog for help and companionship, your dog will depend on you for food, shelter, medical care, proper exercise, and companionship.

While a service dog enjoys its role as both a companion and helper, it is absolutely crucial that you can give a service dog what it needs in return. You must be able to provide for your dog’s basic needs even if it is inconvenient or you are not feeling well. If you cannot do that you must ensure that someone is able to care for the dog’s needs including taking the dog outside for elimination.

A service dog may help you in your home and in public. A service dog may help you live more independently. While the abilities of a dog will amaze you, you still have to remember that the service dog is an animal. In times of stress or illness (including the time of transition into your household) you may have to deal with unwanted chewing, elimination, vomiting, or barking. As unpleasant as those occurrences may be, you will need to deal with them by providing prompt clean up and lots of patience. You also may have to deal with dirt and dog hair, both of which can add to your housework.

Do you have the time and energy?

Like people, dogs react to stress. Your dog will need your leadership as well as your understanding during those times. If you would not consider having a pet dog, are you sure you want a service dog? Remember, a service dog is highly skilled and trained but also has needs that can not be ignored.

Your service dog will need time to adjust to its new family and to recognize you as the “leader” of that family. You will have to adjust to new routines and perhaps change priorities. You will be required to complete a three-week training course held at the Helping Paws training center. While the dog will come to you having learned many skills, it is up to you to continue reviewing skills and working with the dog. Helping Paws Follow-up Staff will be a resource that helps you with this task. Our goal is to empower you to make the best use of your service dog.

Great responsibility. Great reward.

Having a service dog as your partner is a life changing experience. The emotional bond of having a dog with you 24 hours a day is a wonderful gift. The help a service dog can provide will enable you to be more independent. Through the placement process, we will match you with a service dog that best suits your needs. Yet, it is Helping Paws responsibility and right to ensure that those who seek a service dog can provide the care that the service dog both needs and deserves.

Still Interested?

If after reflection, you decide that you do have the time, energy, and commitment to partner with a service dog you will need to complete the application process in entirety.

Review the eligibility requirements to determine if you qualify for a Helping Paws Service Dog and then follow the application process.