Service dogs provide a physical and emotional anchor for children with autism. With their child tethered to a service dog, families feel they are newly freed to engage in activities as simple as shopping at the mall. On the streets, parents are relieved of the worry their child might run away. In many cases, the service dog accompanies the child to school, where its calming presence can minimize and often eliminate emotional outbursts, enabling the child to more fully participate. Transitioning among school day activities is eased and the service dog provides a focus through which the child can interact with other children. This helps increase the opportunity for the child to develop social and language skills.
Not every child with autism will benefit from a service dog. Autism Service Dog Agencies and Trainers screen and evaluate each situation carefully. Their goal is to ensure a successful match for the child, the family and the dog. Our goal at Paws 4 Autism is to help fund the costs associated with acquiring an Autism Service Dog through our matching grant program.
Demand for specialized service dogs for autism is growing rapidly. These dogs go everywhere with their wards—just as a physically disabled person would not leave his or her wheelchair at home, autism service dogs assist children with all activities, including attending school. Under the ADA law, there are no exceptions to where a service dog is allowed; all public places must allow access. It is important however that the child’s school be
cooperative. Most agencies will not place dogs with children whose school will not allow a service dog.
A service dog is an investment for everyone involved
Agencies expect to receive $10,000 - $20,000 in exchange for the placement of a service dog. It sounds like a lot. Most families who could not spare the money directly have been able to procure a dog through fundraising efforts.
Months of training, housing and veterinary care are invested in each dog.
Not all dogs graduate the program, yet the cost of time and resources remain fixed. Most agencies are nonprofits that do not receive government funding: they depend on general public donations, grants, fundraisers and volunteers. The full cost to breed, raise and train a assistance dog can range from $15,000 to $25,000.
Once families demonstrate that they can make the initial commitment, they are then placed on the waiting list to receive the next available service dog that is the right match for the child and family. On average this wait can be from 9 months to two or even three years.
How Paws 4 Autism Helps...
It is difficult for individual families to secure donations and grants from large corporations or government entities because those corporations are limited to giving to recognized charities. Those same corporations truly DO wish to help but must protect the interests of their businesses as well. Paws 4 Autism is the bridge that connects the needs of the children and families dealing with autism to those generous corporations and businesses who want to assist.
Paws 4 Autism provides matching grants up to 50% of the costs of obtaining an autism service dog. Our application process determines financial need and resources of the family. Once approved, funds will be sent directly to the certified (501c3) Autism Service Dog Agency/Trainer only after that agency has verified that the family has raised their portion of the expenses.
Helping Families Help Their Kids to Connect to the World.....4 Paws at a Time
Not every child with autism will benefit from a service dog. Autism Service Dog Agencies and Trainers screen and evaluate each situation carefully. Their goal is to ensure a successful match for the child, the family and the dog. Our goal at Paws 4 Autism is to help fund the costs associated with acquiring an Autism Service Dog through our matching grant program.
A service dog is an investment for everyone involved
Months of training, housing and veterinary care are invested in each dog.
Not all dogs graduate the program, yet the cost of time and resources remain fixed. Most agencies are nonprofits that do not receive government funding: they depend on general public donations, grants, fundraisers and volunteers. The full cost to breed, raise and train a assistance dog can range from $15,000 to $25,000.
Once families demonstrate that they can make the initial commitment, they are then placed on the waiting list to receive the next available service dog that is the right match for the child and family. On average this wait can be from 9 months to two or even three years.
How Paws 4 Autism Helps...
