Organizations That Furnish Service Dogs for the Mobility Impaired

There are several national non-profit organizations that provide service dogs to people who meet their criteria. Each organization has a multiple-step application process individuals must complete prior to being considered for a service dog. Applicants must be assessed by staff trained to evaluate their medical conditions and decide whether they are eligible for pairing with a highly trained canine assistant.

  1. Canine Assistants

    • Founded in 1991, non-profit Canine Assistants provides assistance dogs to disabled and special needs children and adults. Dogs are provided once the applying individual has been deemed appropriate for an assistance dog and has completed the application and training process. The organization trains and places an average of 75 to 100 assistance dogs annually. Most of the dogs are bred by the organization, but some come from rescues and shelters. Golden and Labrador retrievers are used in the program.

      Canine Assistants

      3160 Francis Road

      Milton, Georgia 30004

      770-664-7178

      800-771-7221

      canineassistants.org

    Canine Companions of Independence (CCI)

    • Accredited by Assistance Dogs International and founded in 1975, CCI is the oldest US non-profit provider of service and skilled companion dogs. Dogs are provided free of charge to disabled and physically challenged adults and children who meet the criteria for an assistance dog and fulfill CCI's application and training process. CCI dogs are bred and raised specifically for the organization's training and use. Breeds currently used in the program are Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and purposeful cross breeds of the two.

      Canine Companions for Independence

      National Headquarters

      P.O. Box 446

      Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446

      866-224-3647

      800-572-2275

      cci.org

    Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. (ADAI)

    • Non-profit ADAI trains and provides service dogs free of charge for applicants who meet their qualifications. ADAI is accredited by Assistance Dog International. The organization charges a small non-refundable application fee to individuals ADAI staff deem eligible to apply for an assistance dog. Approved individuals will need to successfully complete the ADAI dog and handler training program and probationary home training period.

      ADAI trains golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers for ADAI programs. The dogs come from shelters, rescue organizations, private individuals and recognized breeders. Mixed breeds are acceptable to the program if they are considered Golden or Labrador mixes.

      Assistance Dogs of America, Inc.

      Education and Training Facility

      8806 State Route 64

      Swanton, Ohio 43558

      419-825-3622

      adai.org