ApplICATION PROCESS
The application for an assistance dog is a three-step process:
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STEP 1
Review the Required Information, Eligibility and our Policies & Process page to be sure you can apply.
STEP 2
Complete a multi page application online where you must provide medical and personal information
and pay a $50 non-refundable fee.
STEP 3
Print and complete/distribute additional forms. The list of information is included below.
NOTE
STEP 1 - REVIEW ALL ITEMS BELOW
ELIGIBILITY
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Must be 16 or older to have an independent assistance dog. PAALS will consider younger facilitated teams; however, the minimum age to be considered is 5 years old. A facilitated team placement means that a parent/guardian will be responsible for giving cues to the assistance dog.
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GEOGRAPHIC RESTRICTIONS - You must live within: Mobility, Facility and Skilled Home Companion applicants: 230 miles of PAALS.Autism applicants: 130 miles of PAALS.PTSD applicants and people diagnosed with PTSD: 130 miles of PAALS
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PTSD applicants must be in consistent (at least once a month) therapy for a minimum of 6 months.
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Adult applicants (and the parent/guardian facilitator of a facilitated assistance dog team) must pass a background check.
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Must be able to provide a safe environment.
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Must be able to provide dog with exercise daily.
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Must be able to afford annual dog supplies and veterinary services averaging $1,500 per year.
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Must have no more than one additional dog living in the home with the PAALS dog.
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Must have a stable living situation for a minimum of one year before placement.
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Must have explored potential employment and housing conflicts.
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Must be willing to send follow-up paperwork proving medical care and continued training to PAALS after placement of assistance dog.
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Must be able to attend a 2-3 week team training session in Columbia, SC prior to placement at their own expense and to provide their own transportation, housing, meals and care attendant if needed.
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Must have realistic expectations of tasks/roles a dog could perform which could assist a person with a disability and/or a a teacher, counselor or therapist who work with people with disabilities (facility dog).
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Must have back-up care arranged for assistance dog in case of an emergency.
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Must be willing to continue the training program that PAALS begins for the team throughout the working life of the dog.
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Must keep PAALS apprised of any changes that would affect any of the above after application is accepted.
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Must complete all 3 steps of the application process to be eligible.
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Must treat PAALS dog with unconditional love!
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Failure to report any information or changes in your application information could
adversely effect your application status.