Helping Paws, Inc.

Persons with physical disabilities or a veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and are looking to use a service dog: Applicants must:

• Be a minimum of 10 years of age and have a physical disability other than loss of vision or loss of hearing.
• Be financially able to take full responsibility for a dog, including, but not limited to, dog food and veterinary care. Costs such as annual vaccinations, additional veterinary needs, dog food and dog "toys" may run upwards of $1,000 per year.
• Be able to physically take full responsibility for a dog, or have someone designated and able, to address this responsibility.
• Demonstrate through the application process that a service dog would assist in daily living tasks and help the applicant maintain or increase independence.
• Be able to attend the 3 week Team Training course held at the Helping Paws training center.
• Be willing to participate in follow-up training.

The applicant's home environment should be stable (without any major changes) during the first year following placement of a service dog.

• Yearly follow-up interviews are required with the Helping Paws Graduate Follow-up Coordinator.

Applicants and graduates are not required to participate in fundraising or public relations activities in support of Helping Paws.

There is a non-refundable application fee. At the time of placement there is an equipment fee.