Service Dog Partnership Information

Why do it?

Even though service dogs have been working in the US for over 30 years, there are still many people who don't know what a service dog is - or more importantly, who a service dog can help, and how.

There are many reasons to get a service dog - Here are some of the reasons that our recipients shared with CPL:

• "To become more independent"
• "To have a reason to get out of bed in the morning"
• "To feel safe"
• "To not feel lonely"
• "To be able to do things myself without having to ask someone else"
• "To have someone who will love me no matter what I look like or sound like"
• "To get more out of each day"
• "To be less tired and fatigued"
• "To have less wear and tear on my body"
• "To have something other than "can you please" to say to the people I love"
• "So that the people I love don't have to worry and can have a life of their own"
• "To get out more"
• "To have a social ice breaker because people are scared or intimidated by my disability"
• "To relieve some of the pain"
• "To enjoy more activities"
• "To go back to school"
• "To get a job"
• "To start doing some of the things I used to do, again."

Service dogs help people who are in wheelchairs/scooters and who use walkers/crutches and canes, but they also help people who are walking by themselves but with difficulty. They assist people with disabilities such as:

Service dogs can help people who have difficulty bending over, who have a hard time walking or managing stairs, who get tired easily, who can't manipulate their limbs easily, who have difficulty with fine motor skills, or who have difficulty with gross motor skills. Service dogs can reduce the amount of attendant care a person might need and can reduce the physical and mental stressors to the body which keeps people healthier and out of the hospital more often.

What does it really mean?

Service dog partnership is a big commitment! A service dog is with their partner wherever they go - and whatever they do. A service dog has the legal rights to do this. By being with their partner at all times, the dog is available to help in any and all situations and environments. Service dog partners have found that this changes their lives in a meaningful and positive way. They are more confident and independent. They are willing to go places, and do things that they haven't done.

Partnership is not without its difficulties however. As with any partnership (spouse, parent, etc.), there must be a mutual commitment and responsibility. Dogs are not robots, they are dogs. They need love, care, and ongoing training. Dogs have good days and bad days just like people do. Partnership with a dog is rewarding and challenging - but it is not for everyone.

What will I as the human partner be responsible for?

The human partner is responsible for providing a safe, working environment for their canine partner and they need to provide ongoing training, care and medical attention. CPL created the following list to help prospective applicants determine what is expected.

What to expect when you apply for a service dog:

• To travel, at your expense, to CPL for interview. *Extreme long distances may be able to do interview via video.

What to expect after your interview:

• To attend graduate support classes monthly (or as many as possible) to qualify for waiting list. *Staff will assist with alternatives for those who live extreme distances.
• To provide your own transportation to and from the classes.

What to expect if accepted to waiting list and a dog is selected:

• To purchase basic supplies for dog - cost approximately $200.
• To travel, at your expense, to CPL for 3-week team training session.
• To arrange for your accommodations, along with CPL Staff, for 3-week training session. Cost for hotel and meals approximately $2000.
(Housing with CPL volunteers occasionally available).
• To arrange your daily transportation to and from CPL for 3-week training session.

What to expect during team training:

• Requested donation (to be determined by a sliding scale - ranging from $1,000 - $3,000) to CPL before the start of team training.
• To provide for an aide/personal care attendant, if needed.
• To work 5-6 hours daily. Activities include lectures, field trips, working with your dog in various settings, and perhaps more activity than you may be used to doing.
• To provide your own meals (breakfast, lunches & dinners) including some field trips out for meals (and for aide if one accompanies you).
• To provide your admission costs for field trips during three-week training session - approximately $100 to $200 per person (and for aide if one accompanies you).

What to expect after your graduation:

• Phone follow-up - daily for the first week, weekly for the first month, and monthly for the first year.
• For the first year after graduation, to attend at least 6 scheduled graduate support classes at Canine Partners For Life or attend two 6-8 week obedience sessions with a CPL approved trainer and have the trainer complete the required evaluation.
• To attend a minimum of one graduate support class per year for the duration of team's active working life (if you live within 250-mile radius).
• To complete and return self evaluation form, with dog's health records, every six months for the active working life of the team.
• To complete certification tests in accordance with CPL policies (generally every one to two years). May be done by video for those living beyond 250 mile radius of CPL.
• To retain current certification through CPL.
• To maintain current veterinary health care according to CPL guidelines. Food will cost approximately $30 per month. Other health responsibilities/expenses include monthly heartworm preventative, flea preventatives, annual shots, grooming and emergency veterinary care.
• To join the CPL family for life!