Services
REQUESTS & INQUIRIES for Autism Service Dogs
Please check back here for updates for when our application process resumes.
Autism Dog Services provides service to Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, most parts of the GTA, Hamilton, London, Brantford, Niagara and surrounding areas. Please note that we cannot provide service outside of our territory. To find out if you live in our area of service please email: allison@autismdogservices.ca
For a list of other accredited autism service dog providers please visit: https://assistancedogsinternational.org/
Applicants must be able to meet the financial and physical needs of supporting the needs of an autism service dog, and agree to complete the application process including all required pre-placement and post-placement activities, and the follow-up process.
Autism Dog Services screens applicants and will consider all applications regardless of race, sexual orientation, sex, or religion. Applicants are provided with information on eligibility requirements during every part of the application process.
Autism Dog Services provides fair and equal treatment to all interested applicants interested in applying for service dogs.
Safety
For children that are a flight risk, the service dog keeps the child grounded and safe. The service dog can prevent the child from bolting or wandering by using a special belt and tether that connects the child and service dog.
Companionship
The service dog can become a companion and offers constant friendship.
Independence
The service dog offers opportunities for responsibility and independence making through daily care, feeding and grooming.
Socialization and Communication
The service dog can increase pro-social behaviours and opportunities for communication. The service dog can allow for more frequent opportunities for socialization.
Behaviour Modification
The service can dog helps modify behaviours through deep pressure therapy tasks allowing for easier transitions. The dog can also be trained to interrupt repetitive behaviours or act as a buffer in crowded places.
Family Unity
Families can experience unity as they safely explore the community and public places together with the help of a child’s service dog. Parents gain confidence going out together as a family and the family can participate in more outings together and more often.
Before reaching out to Autism Dog Services, please review the following requirements to determine if an autism service dog is appropriate for the applicant.
1. Benefit to the Applicant
The applicant should demonstrate a need for the tasks autism service dogs are trained to perform.
These tasks are designed to support individuals with autism and related disorders.
2. Home Environment
Dogs must live in a safe, smoke-free home.
Access to a secure, fenced outdoor area is required.
3. Resources and Care
Daily care responsibilities include:
Feeding
Grooming
Exercise
Regular veterinary visits
Annual costs for food, veterinary care, treats, toys, and bedding are approximately $2,000–$2,500, not including emergency care.
Pet insurance is strongly recommended, averaging $65–$140 per month.
4. Household Support
All household members must support and assist with the training, care, and ongoing maintenance of the service dog.
Compliance with Autism Dog Services’ guidelines is required.
5. Engagement Before Placement
The applicant and/or support person(s) must participate in preparatory workshops in Brantford prior to receiving the service dog.
6. Ongoing Engagement
After placement, continued engagement is required, including:
Annual veterinary reports
Attendance at annual workshops in Brantford
7. Readiness for Commitment
Receiving a service dog represents a major lifestyle change and a long-term commitment.
Applicants should ensure they are fully prepared for the responsibilities involved.
What Makes the Autism Service Dog Program at Autism Dog Services Unique?
Autism Dog Services is accepting new applicants for the Facility Dog Program. Please read the information below for more details and contact information.
Applicants must be able to meet the financial and physical needs of supporting the needs of a facility dog, and agree to complete the application process including all required pre-placement and post-placement activities, and the follow-up process.
Autism Dog Services screens applicants and will consider all applications regardless of race, sexual orientation, sex, or religion. Applicants are provided with information on eligibility requirements during every part of the application process.
Autism Dog Services provides fair and equal treatment to all interested applicants interested in applying for service dogs.
Is A Facility Dog Right For You?
To help guide you through the process, it would be best for you to explore the following to help you determine if a facility dog is appropriate for your business and clients. Please ensure that you are able to meet the following requirements outlined in the questions prior to reaching out to us with your inquiry.
- Can you demonstrate that your clients would benefit from the tasks that Autism Dog Services facility dogs are trained to perform?
- Dogs must reside in a safe and smoke free home.
- Do you have the means and resources to manage and care for a dog? This includes feeding, grooming, exercising the dog and regular visits to a veterinarian.
- Are the people you live with you willing to support your relationship with a facility dog and comply with Autism Dog Services Guidelines?
- Once paired with the facility dog, are you willing to stay engaged with Autism Dog Services, provide annual veterinary reports and participate in annual workshops in Brantford?
- Having a facility dog in your life is a big adjustment, a major lifestyle change, and long-term commitment. Do you believe you are ready for this?
Skilled Companion Plus Dog Program
This program is designed for children, youth, and individuals with special needs who would benefit from the support of a dog at home.
Key Information:
Skilled Companion Plus Dogs receive specialized skills and task training; however, they do not have certification for public access and cannot be recognized as service dogs.
While these dogs may accompany clients into pet-friendly locations, this is at the discretion of Autism Dog Services (ADS) staff.
Applicant Requirements:
Applicants must be able to meet the financial and physical needs of caring for a Companion Plus Dog.
Applicants must complete the application process outlined below.
Program Process:
Approved applicants are placed on a waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis.
During the wait period, participants will complete virtual training and educational workshops.
Once matched with a Companion Plus Dog, participants will receive ongoing support and follow-up from ADS training staff and are required to attend a training workshop in Brantford.
ADS retains ownership of the dog for the first year to support the client-dog team and ensure the dog’s needs are fully met.
Program Fee:
There is a $3,500 fee to be paired with a Skilled Companion Plus Dog.
Equity and Inclusion:
ADS considers all applications regardless of race, sexual orientation, sex, or religion.
Applicants receive detailed information on eligibility requirements at each stage of the application process.
ADS is committed to fair and equal treatment for all individuals interested in the program.
For more information, please contact Allison at:
Email: allison@autismdogservices.ca
Phone: 519-504-765
Is A Skilled Companion Plus Dog Right For You?
To help you determine if a Skilled Companion Plus Dog is suitable for you or your child, please review the following questions carefully. Ensure that you can meet these requirements before submitting the application request form below.
Special Needs and Benefits
Do you or your child have a special need and would benefit from the comfort, companionship, and deep pressure tasks provided by a Skilled Companion Plus Dog at home?
Resources and Care
Do you have the means and resources to manage and care for a dog? This includes feeding, grooming, exercising the dog, and providing regular veterinary care.
Support System
Are the people you live with aware of your interest in a Skilled Companion Plus Dog? Are they willing and able to support you in caring for the dog?
Commitment and Readiness
Having a Skilled Companion Plus Dog is a significant adjustment, a major lifestyle change, and a long-term commitment. Are you prepared for this responsibility?
Training and Engagement
If approved, do you agree to meet with ADS staff before, during, and after being matched with a Skilled Companion Plus Dog for training and education? Please note that access to a vehicle and the ability to travel to Brantford, ON for workshops is required.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING NEW APPLICANTS AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CHECK BACK HERE FOR UPDATES.
Who can request an application package and further screening to join the waiting list?
Skilled Companion Plus Dogs are available to those who reside in our area of service and would benefit from deep pressure tasks.
Fees
There is a $75 application fee. There is another fee of $3500 when you are matched up with a Companion Plus Dog. This fee is to cover some of the expenses that the dog has incurred while in the ADS training program, some equipment, a manual, and to support you once paired up with the dog for the first year. This fee also includes eight weeks of free trial pet insurance. After the first year, you will be eligible to adopt the dog for no charge.
