FAQs
The following questions are answered below
- What is the process of acquiring an Autism Service Dog?
- What is the cost of a Compassionate Paws Dog?
- What if we are not able to come up with the full required dollar amount?
- How can I ensure that a service dog is going to work for my loved one?
- Can I train my own Service Dog?
- What geographical area does Compassionate Paws cover?
- What breed of dog does Compassionate Paws use?
- Why do Compassionate Paws fundraiser's benefit the needs of the applicant and not the administrative needs?
- What are the age requirements of your clients?
- What are the Compassionate Paws Dog trained to do? How can they help MY loved one?
- Would we still qualify if we already have a pet in the home?
- What are the benefits of becoming a MEMBER on the Compassionate Paws Website?
- How long does it take to train an Autism Service Dog?
- How does the handler training work?
What is the process of acquiring an Autism Service Dog? Upon contacting Compassionate Paws, Inc. we will provide you with an application. Once we receive the completed application from the applicant we will complete the questionnaire portion of the application through a recorded telephone interview along with completing the required background check. Once all required information is received you should know within 30 days if you were approved for a Compassionate Paws Dog or not. At that time we will also discuss the various training packages that are available and send you the contract that
will need to be completed and sent back to us. At that time you will be able to begin fundraising and once the financial requirements have been met and there is an opening at the training facility training for your service dog will begin.
What is the cost of a Compassionate Paws Dog? The cost of a Certified Service Dog through Compassionate Paws ranges widely depending on the program that you contract for. The cost starts at $750 and goes up from there. We allow our clients to build their own training packages according to their specific needs and knowledge in the training of a service dog. Our trainers will assist you in the creation of a package that will best fit everyone's needs.
What if we are not able to come up with the full required dollar amount? When proper care is taken during the fundraising process we have never had a family that has not been able to come up with the necessary funds in order to receive their dog on time. Compassionate Paws takes every effort to assist in any way possible with the fundraising process through advice. If the service dog is not paid in full by the date listed on the contract Compassionate Paws will not be able to place the dog with you but instead will place the dog with the next available family. Once your balance is paid off in full you will be in line for a service dog. Keep in mind failure to pay your babance in full will delay your placement date.
How can I ensure that a service dog is going to work for my loved one? Unfortunately due to the fact that our trainers don’t live in your home with your family, we are unable to ensure that any placement will work with 100% success rate. Many things are required of our recipients in order to provide the highest level of possible success.
Can I train my own Service Dog? Yes. One of the packages that we offer is where the client can train their own service dog. This can be done either with or without the assistance of a trainer.
What geographical area does Compassionate Paws cover? Anyone who lives in the following areas will qualify: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
What breed of dog does Compassionate Paws use? Compassionate Paws does not necessarily use the same breeds of dogs that are most familiar as a mobility service dog specifically for the reason that the needs of the individual requiring a service dog are much different. For very specific reasons we use breeds that are considered large or giant size breeds. The breeds that we have found the MOST success with are the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland. We have also had alot of success with most breeds within the herding group.
Why do Compassionate Paws fundraiser's benefit the needs of the applicant and not the administrative needs? Compassionate Paws does not have the overhead costs like most other businesses. Everything that we do is within our homes - so therefore, we are able to say that 100% of all proceeds go towards the included needs (both care and training) of the service dog.
What are the age requirements of your clients? We believe that when you promote "early intervention" it means that there is not an age requirement tied into that as an "exception to the rule". Therefore, we do not have any age requirement. We strongly believe that the earlier the inclusion of a service dog directly after the diagnosis the better the chances are for this service to be successful. With that in mind...we have also with VERY high success placed service dogs with older individuals as well.
What are the Compassionate Paws Dog trained to do? How can they help MY loved one? Our Dogs are trained to do a wide range of services as it relates to the needs of your loved one. These services can include Boundary Work where the dog is providing a safety net for your loved one before they enter a dangerous situation. Behavior Disruption to redirect the individual into a more approporate behavior. Deep Pressure where the dog takes over the need of a weighted vest or blanket and Public Access Certification allowing the dog to work these skills when in public establishments. We also offer many add-on services and if there are other specific needs your loved one has we may be able to offer training into those services as well. Above just lists the most requested skills.
Would we still qualify if we already have a pet in the home? ABSOLUTELY!! We would NEVER require you to rehome a pet that is already established into your home and no organization should have the right to require that - especially if they understand the background (at all) about Autism or other ASD’s, and how change effects these individuals. We will RECOMMEND that your pet has an understanding of basic obedience as an untrained dog will have terrible effects on a trained dog. The trained dog will pick up on all the bad habits of the untrained dog.
What are the restrictions regarding a service dog going to school with my child? The law states that the child must be able to maintain control of the service dog at all times and that the school doesn't have to provide an aid to assist with the needs of the service dog. The aide is provided to assist with the needs of the child ONLY. FYI - allergies is not a reason to deny access into any school setting.
How long does it take to train an Autism Service Dog? While the dog is living within your home and the needs of your individual he/she is servicing keeps changing your dog will always be in an element of training. The training that the service dog receives at the training facility ranges from as little as 6 months on up to possibly 24 months. This will depend upon the package that the family chooses to sign up for.
How does the handler training work? Compassionate Paws offers its handler training to be done at the Training Facility. Currently we are in the process of re-building our handler training package as we have received feedback from other past clientele regarding the needs (to be covered) during handler training and have chosen to take into great consideration the requests of our clients. More detailed information will be available as soon as it becomes approved by our Board of Directors and Trainers as to the process of handler training.
Updates
