Apply for an Assistance Dog

Dogs for the Disabled assistance dogs are life-changing for adults and children with physical disabilities. Our dogs are trained for many tasks, from providing stability when walking to getting the washing, and open the door to greater independence, confidence and companionship.

  • Dogs are partnered with disabled people at no cost.
  • 85% of our dogs are partnered with children with physical disabilities.
  • Training takes place at our premises in Togher and around Cork.

Application Waiting List

There is currently a 5 year waiting list for DfD dogs.

However, we encourage everyone who might benefit to apply. Sometimes dogs emerge from training with special skills that make them uniquely qualified to partner with a specific applicant. Even when this doesn’t happen, the benefits of waiting for a bred, trained, qualified and supported dog from Dogs for the Disabled are worth it. Pauline, mother of Luke who was partnered with assistance dog Aidan, puts it best:

“Be patient and wait, get your dog from the right source. There is no way our partnership would have worked without the support of Irish Dogs for the Disabled.”

You can read Aidan and Luke’s story in Pauline’s own words to learn more.

Applying for an Assistance Dog

Important: We do not take applications online.
Please ring the Dogs for the Disabled office on 021 4316627 to discuss an application. Thank you!