Service Dogs

Service Dogs

Service animals are animals (most usually medium-large dogs) trained to help their handlers by improving their safety, supporting their mental health, and/or maintain their day-to-day independence. While guide dogs (also known as “seeing-eye dogs”) are the most widely-recognized type of service animal, many other training regimens exist to serve a variety of special needs. The most relevant to the ASD community are probably Autism Service Dogs (most typically used for children, to help with social development and to prevent bolting) and Mobility Service Dogs (trained to help those with limited mobility, and able to perform a number of small household tasks). Animals without official service animal certification can also be extremely beneficial to those on the spectrum, such as Companion Dogs (dogs who received in-depth training and socializing as part of a service dog training regimen, but did not quite qualify for the official certification) and Emotional Support Animals (any animal deemed by a psychologist to provide a vital role in helping to maintain their handler’s mental and/or emotional well-being).
Note: The names of the various types of service animal are not always consistent from organization to organization, in particular for the Companion Dog category. Also, be aware that trained service dogs are typically in very high demand and the eligibility requirements for receiving can one vary widely depending on the provider, which might affect the chances of receiving a dog.

 

 

Aspen Service Dogs: This organization provides a wide range of services related to service dogs, with options for both receiving an already-trained dog and for your own untrained dog receiving specialized training. A variety of different needs are addressed through different training regimens, with options for Mobility Service Dogs (trained for those with mobility issues, they can retrieve/interact with objects and assist with balance), Autism Service Dogs (trained for the complex needs of those on the spectrum, trained to help with emotional/social support and to improve safety), PTSD Service Dogs (trained to help those with PTSD, by recognizing and de-escalating anxiety and panic attacks), and Facility Service Dogs (trained to help multiple people within a specific setting, with specialized training depending on the nature of the facility).

Phone: (780) 455-8137

 

Assistance Dogs International (ADI): As a coalition of international non-profit organizations based around assistance dogs, ADI does not directly provide service animals. Instead, it acts as an information hub for matters related to service animals, by going into detail about the different kinds of training specializations that exist and explaining industry-related terms. Note that due to ADI being an international organization, they likely do not have region-specific resources.

 

BC & Alberta Guide Dogs: This organization offers Autism Service Dogs for children aged 3-10, along with Guide (seeing-eye) Dogs and PTSD Service Dogs. The dogs are provided free of charge, although applicants must meet all of the required eligibility guidelines.

Phone: (403) 258-0819

 

Canine Companion: Their Skilled Companions dogs are trained to work with an adult or child with a disability, serving as a tool to assist in developing independent living skills, as well as integrating into structured therapies and being utilized to facilitate social interactions. Note that these dogs do not have ASD-specific training, but are instead are intended to provide companionship and emotional support, and are not trained to be responsible for the safety of their charge. Recipients must be at least 5 years old, and the dog must be cared for by a party judged to be capable of adequately caring for the needs of the animal.

Phone: 1 (800) 572-2275

 

CertaPet: This organization deals with emotional support animals, and provides services to help get their pets registered as such. Their site (at the link provided below) also has detailed information on Alberta’s and Canada’s regulations regarding emotional support animals, including what that certification means in terms of public access and accommodation.

 

Dog Guides (Lions Foundation of Canada): As the organization that runs the largest service dog training school in Canada, Dog Guides offers service animals trained for a variety of purposes, including Autism Assistance (only for children aged 3-12) and Seizure Response (10 and older). Due to the organization’s non-profit status it does not charge individuals for the service dogs, as the program is funded through donations.

 

Dogs With Wings: Offers ASD-certified dogs for children aged 3-10, trained to help with sensory regulation, social facilitation, and to help prevent bolting. The organization also has Companion dogs, who have received service training but do not require public access; these dogs are available for children and adults older than 5.

Phone: (780) 944-8011

 

National Service Dogs: Provides a number of different types of service dogs, including ASD-certified (trained specifically for the needs of children on the spectrum), companion dogs (non-specific service dog training) and pets (basic obedience training and extensive socialization). Eligibility ages are between 2 and 8 years old for ASD-certified dogs, under 18 for companion dogs, and the pets are not age-restricted.

Phone: (519) 623-4188

 

Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS): Offers a few different types of certified service dogs (mobility service dogs, PTSD dogs, hearing dogs, and facility dogs). They also have “VIP dogs,” which are fully trained but not certified as service animals; these can be excellent pets and/or emotional support animals for those who require a well-trained dog, but don’t need an animal trained for specialized tasks. Note that while PADS as an organization is based in BC, they also have a training facility in Calgary.

Phone: 1 (877) 292-1765

 

Private Service Dog Assessments (Government of Alberta): If you already have a have a dog that you believe is trained well enough to qualify as an official service dog, it’s possible to have you and the animal assessed by the Government of Alberta in order to receive the official certification. Proof of the dog’s good health and temperament must be assured, and the dog and handler will be assessed on their ability to deal with a variety of situations and challenges. More detailed information on the assessment process and eligibility requirements can be found on the Government of Alberta website.

Phone: (780) 427-9136