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| For the disabled person, having a dog that could turn on lights, pick up dropped keys or open a door is a life altering experience. In fact these specially trained dogs learn over 40 commands. Service Dogs are partnered with children and adults with physical disabilities other than blindness, to assist with daily tasks and increase independence by reducing reliance on other people. A Service Dog can pull a manual wheelchair, push buttons for elevators or automatic doors, and even assist with business transactions by transferring money, receipts, and packages. A Service Dog not only assists with physical tasks, but also provides social support. |
| PAL Ability-Service Dog Program |
We train three types of assistance dogs:
We use rescued dogs/puppies exclusively for all of our programs at PAL. Some of our puppies/dogs
are placed with foster puppy raisers while they are in training. After the puppy raiser returns the
dog to us, the dog attends a six to nine month training course with professional instructors at the
PAL K-9 Services Training Center. All dogs undergo x-rays and medical tests as well as tests to
evaluate their temperaments. Some dogs are released at this point due to medical or
temperament problems, these dogs will be adopted out to “forever homes”.
Partner Training
This two-week session teaches the recipients proper care and handling of their new Service Dog.
After the training session and public access testing, they will be invited to attend a graduation
ceremony.
Follow-up
PAL has a comprehensive follow-up program to ensure the ongoing success of its Partner Teams;
throughout the working life of the dogs, PAL staff trainers will follow up with out partner teams
to insure all is going right for them. Instructors remain in close touch with graduates on an on-
going basis through correspondence, reports and by providing advice via telephone and email.
Should they require it, graduates can return to our training facility with their dogs for workshops,
seminars and fine tuning of their training.
Disabilities served include, but are not limited to:
To be considered for a Service Dog:
- Service Dogs for people with disabilities other than blindness, including psychological
disorders, for those who are able to manage the care of their dogs. - Assisted Service dogs for individuals who can manage their dogs with help from another
person, caregiver or attendant. - Social dogs for people who are in nursing homes or in group care facilities. Interaction with
dogs have been proven to have a strong, positive physiological & psychological impact.
We use rescued dogs/puppies exclusively for all of our programs at PAL. Some of our puppies/dogs
are placed with foster puppy raisers while they are in training. After the puppy raiser returns the
dog to us, the dog attends a six to nine month training course with professional instructors at the
PAL K-9 Services Training Center. All dogs undergo x-rays and medical tests as well as tests to
evaluate their temperaments. Some dogs are released at this point due to medical or
temperament problems, these dogs will be adopted out to “forever homes”.
Partner Training
This two-week session teaches the recipients proper care and handling of their new Service Dog.
After the training session and public access testing, they will be invited to attend a graduation
ceremony.
Follow-up
PAL has a comprehensive follow-up program to ensure the ongoing success of its Partner Teams;
throughout the working life of the dogs, PAL staff trainers will follow up with out partner teams
to insure all is going right for them. Instructors remain in close touch with graduates on an on-
going basis through correspondence, reports and by providing advice via telephone and email.
Should they require it, graduates can return to our training facility with their dogs for workshops,
seminars and fine tuning of their training.
Disabilities served include, but are not limited to:
- • Cerebral Palsy
• MD - Muscular Dystrophy
• Friedreich's Ataxia
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Orthopedic Disabilities
• Parkinson's
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Post-Polio
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Certain Birth Defects
• Spina Bifida
• Psychological disorders
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
To be considered for a Service Dog:
- Be at least 18 years old or have a parent or guardian apply for you.
- Complete and return application. <<Service Dog Application>>
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