The following questions are answered below
- What is the process of acquiring an Autism Assistance Dog?
- What is the cost of a Compassionate Paws Dog?
- What if we are able to come up with the full required dollar amount?
- Am I able to choose my own dog?
- What is Phase One of the Fundraising Program and why does Compassionate Paws, Inc. cover its expenses?
- Why do Compassionate Paws fundraiser's benefit the needs of the applicant and not the administrative needs?
- How much is the family involved in the training of the dog?
- How long does it take to train an Autism Assistance Dog?
- If the dog has a huge medical need does our cost go up?
- What is the “6 year replacement guarantee” that you place on your dogs?
What is the process of acquiring an Autism Assistance Dog? The applicant must first complete the application and all its necessary steps before being either approved. For a copy of the application please contact our Executive Director at hberg@compassionatepaws.org or (920) 787-1467. Immediately, upon approval from the board of directors the contract will be completed, Phase One of the Fundraising program will begin, and the search for an appropriate dog will start as well. Upon conclusion of the training program with Compassionate Paws, Inc., extensive handler training will occur and all follow-up program will become active at that time.
What is the cost of a Compassionate Paws Dog? Compassionate Paws, Inc. works off a sliding rate chart based on the length of time the dog is at the training facility and the amount of training involvment by the family. Because we train according to the specific needs of the child and family and NOT a textbook case we are unable to quote an exact dollar amount during an initial telephone or e-mail consultation, and we need the application in hand in order to complete a quote. The rate is determined by the needs directly associated with the individual case.
What if we are unable to come up with the full required dollar amount? Compassionate Paws, Inc. works with the family in their fundraising efforts in order to ensure that all the necessary funds are received. If at the time the dog is ready for placement with a family a balance due remains on your account we will come to a contractual agreement and a promissory note is completed then.
Am I able to choose my own dog? We take all requests for choice of breed into consideration, however, can not promise that your breed of choice will be available. All dogs placed through Compassionate Paws, Inc. are hand selected based on their skill level, temperament, trainability and only after passing an extensive examination of these above traits does the dog become a Compassionate Paws Dog.
What is Phase One of the Fundraising Program and why does Compassionate Paws, Inc. cover its expenses? Phase One is a campaign that encourages the applicants friends and family to make a tax-deductible donation towards a cause that an individual they know will directly benefit from. This campaign has been proven by past clientele to provide a substantial amount of donations towards the training and placement of the service dog.
Why do Compassionate Paws fundraiser's benefit the needs of the applicant and not the administrative needs? It has been proven that people are more generous with donations when supporting a specific situation, rather than the needs of an organization. Due to the wonderful Guardian Angels that we have on our administrative staff, and the countless donations provided by our Director of Training, Vicki Pingel, we are able to concentrate all fundraising efforts towards the needs of our clients, their families and the dogs we train.
How much is the family involved in the training of the dog? We highly encourage the involvement of the applicant/family during the training process. It is not required, however, encouraged that you are involved with the training of your dog.
How long does it take to train an Autism Assistance Dog? To have a dog that is fully certified it can take up to two years of extensive training. However, because of the nature of our clientele and the specific needs that we encounter we make every effort to place our Compassionate Paws Dogs within the family by 12 months of age. Keeping our goal and effort in mind, Compassionate Paws, Inc. will also NEVER place a dog into a home until it is ready to safely be placed.
If the dog has a huge medical need does our cost go up? While Compassionate Paws, Inc. maintains ownership of the dog he/she is covered under our short-term Life, Medical, and Liability Insurance Policy. Therefore, any additional expenses are covered during that time frame at no additional cost to our clients.
What is the “6 –Year Replacement Guarantee” that you place on your dogs? Compassionate Paws, Inc. believes that these dogs are an investment towards the safety and educational needs of a child. Our 6-year replacement guarantee is a formula that we have created saying that we guarantee upon ownership transfer to the applicant 6 years of life with the trained service dog. This benefit allows for the repeat customer without necessarily the burden of drastic fundraising efforts. This benefit is available because of the wonderful donations provided through our Guardian Angel program.
