Our Community Projects
Dogs for the Disabled collaborate with a number of community-based projects and institutions to transform lives in different ways.
We have developed successful programmes that help us in our mission to provide highly-trained assistance dogs that create positive change for children and adults living with disabilities
Irish Prison Service
Shelton Abbey: Men’s Open Prison
In 2013, Dogs for the Disabled was approached by Irish Prison Governors interested in getting involved with the charity. After initial talks, it was decided that four young adult dogs would be placed in Shelton Abbey as part of a Buddy Dog Programme, following the completion of their socialisation period with their foster families.
The handlers live with their dog for 3-4 months during the Buddy Dog Programme. They attend weekly training classes with our on-site trainers where they are taught to work with their dog through behaviour, care and positive reinforcement learning principles.
The Dochas Centre - Women’s Prison
In 2015, Dogs for the Disabled was approached by the Governor of The Dochas Centre to discuss the option of being involved with the charity following on from the success of the Buddy Dog Programme at Shelton Abbey.
Given the majority of women in The Dochas Centre are mothers it was decided to bring in a brood from our breeding programme to whelp and care for her and her litter of puppies for the first 8 weeks of their life.
The specially chosen and trained carer has a spacious self contained room with all the necessary equipment for her to care for our brood and puppies. She is supported by a designated staff member, one of our trainers and our vet.
The programme has been a resounding success with over 10 litters (60+ puppies) born and reared at The Dochas Centre to date.
Our Prison programmes have been hugely successful for all involved, reducing our costs and ultimately increasing the number of assistance dogs we can place free of charge.
Many of the children and adults we help are living more independently today because of the hard work of the men, women and staff at Shelton Abbey and the Dochas Centre.
On behalf of all our partners we would like to say a heartfelt THANK YOU!
Hospital & Hospice Visits
“During Mercy week, we welcomed Hugo, a Therapy Dog from Dogs for the Disabled. He became the first dog to therapeutically visit patients at the hospital. Hugo visited patients on ten wards during his inaugural visit, touching patients and staff alike, and we’re all looking forward to his return visit.”
School Visits & Education
We are delighted to be invited to visit primary and second level schools to present a first hand experience of our work. One of our training team together with a working partnership will demonstrate how our partnerships are truly life-changing and we may even bring some puppies along!
We are also delighted to work with schools in the teaching of Safe Dog Ownership and Dog Welfare. We have recently developed a number of Lesson Plans for Primary Schools which focus on how to safely greet and care for dogs.
€ZERO What our Partners Pay for one of our Assistance Dogs
€15k What it costs to produce one Assistance Dog
€1million per Year to Operate our Charity
35 Assistance/Therapy Dogs Qualified in 2023
€ZERO What our Partners Pay for one of our Assistance Dogs €15k What it costs to produce one Assistance Dog €1million per Year to Operate our Charity 35 Assistance/Therapy Dogs Qualified in 2023
