1. Why can’t I apply for an assistance dog?
We want to be able to create life changing partnerships for as many people as possible. However, we currently have the capacity to train and place approximately 50 dogs each year. By inviting applications from only a few areas at a time and for short periods of time, we’re able to assist people from right across the country. It also helps us to make sure that our applicants spend as little time as possible waiting to be partnered with a life changing dog.
2. Why can’t you place more assistance dogs per year?
We work hard to ensure that every partnership we train meets the highest of training standards and receives on-going support. However, our resources are limited and this restricts the number of assistance dog partnerships we can train each year. We rely on donations from the public including gifts which people leave to us in their wills to continue our work. The more funding we raise, the more dogs we have the capacity to train and place.
3. Can I leave my details so you can contact me when you begin taking applications?
Unfortunately, we are unable to hold on to your personal data. We advise you to check our website regularly to see if we are accepting applications in your area. We will publish the dates when applications for your area will go live as they become available.
4. I’m interested in an Autism Assistance Dog – what can I do now?
You may wish to consider registering for our Family Dog service. This service provides workshops for parents of a child with autism to explore the helping potential of a pet dog. Workshops run regularly and take place nationwide. Many families find that the introduction of a pet dog has many positive benefits. However, it is important to remember that attending the Family Dog workshops does not give a pet dog public access rights. Alternatively, if you feel that an assistance dog would be beneficial please keep checking our website.
5. You currently don’t train assistance dogs to support my condition. Are you planning to do so in the future?
We believe that dogs are good for us and can support people in many different ways. That is why we often pilot new services and projects. Whilst we cannot guarantee we will be piloting a service to help with your particular needs, it is helpful for us to understand the demand for new services.
6. Can I pay you to train an assistance dog for me?
Our status as a Charity means that we are unable to receive payment for training an assistance dog for an applicant.
7. Can you train my pet dog to help me?
We currently only train dogs that have completed our own puppy socialising scheme.
Support Dogs and Dog Aid train people’s own pet dogs specifically for their individual needs, and as a recognised Assistance Dog organisation can then support the dog/client partnership.
If you are considering employing a local dog trainer to train your dog, please see https://apdt.co.uk/. This is the website for the association of pet dog trainers.
8.Can I get an assistance dog jacket for my pet dog?
No. We only give assistance dog jackets to dogs provided and trained by us.
9. I’ve trained my own dog, how do I register it as an assistance dog?
We are not able to ‘register’ pet dogs as assistance dogs. Assistance dogs trained by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) member organisations are considered, by definition, to be highly trained and fully supported for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. There is currently no formal registration system for assistance dogs in the UK and we currently do not have an assessment process in place for dogs that have not been trained by us.
10. How much of the money raised goes to training your dogs?
75p of every £1 we raise goes directly to making a life-changing difference to someone with a disability through a specially trained dog.
11.What can I do to help?
Support us in whatever way you can. Make a donation, sign up to our emails, or find out about ways you can support us.
12. Can I donate by cheque?
If you would prefer to give by cheque, please make it payable to Dogs for Good and send to us at:
The Frances Hay Centre
Blacklocks Hill
Banbury
OX17 2BS
13. Can I donate over the phone?
If you would prefer to make a donation over the telephone, please call 01295 252600