Home Support Dogs

Not every dog we train will meet the standards required to become an assistance dog, and not every applicant will be eligible for an assistance dog. To ensure more people can benefit from the support of a well-trained dog, we have developed our Home Support Dog Program for people with complex physical disabilities and high support needs.

All Home Support Dogs are adult dogs that have completed our puppy raising program and spent time within our assistance dog program. During this process, each dog is carefully assessed to determine the role that best suits their abilities, temperament, and skills.

The Home Support Dog Programme creates meaningful partnerships for dogs that may not be suited to the full demands of an assistance dog role but still have valuable skills and qualities to offer. These dogs are matched with people whose mobility or cognitive support needs mean they are unable to manage or direct an assistance dog. This approach ensures that the significant investment involved in breeding, raising, and training each dog is used responsibly, while providing support to individuals whose needs align with the dog's capabilities.

We have an ethical responsibility to ensure every dog has the opportunity to make a positive impact. By carefully matching dogs with suitable applicants, we can reduce unnecessary rehoming, minimize waste, and extend the benefits of our program to more people.

Home Support Dogs may be trained to perform limited tasks within the home and other appropriate settings; however, they do not meet the requirements for assistance dog public access. These dogs provide companionship, confidence, and support in daily life, helping to reduce isolation and promote greater independence and wellbeing.

The primary handler of the dog must be a parent or full-time carer of the applicant. They will be responsible for the dog's day-to-day care, welfare, handling, and ensuring the dog's training is maintained.