SERVICE-PUPS

Domesti-PUPS provides service dogs for a variety of disabilities, including:
  • Balance Disorders
  • Wheelchair/Mobility Assistance
  • Seizure Alert/ Response
  • Diabetic Alert
Service dogs help people overcome the limitations of their disabilities and the barriers in their environments. Scientific research has begun to validate the role of service dogs for people with disabilities. In 1995, a 2-year study by Dr. Karen Allen, found that people with disabilities who had service dogs scored higher for psychological well-being, self-esteem, community integration, and the amount of control they could exert over their environment. In addition, the number of personal assistant (human) hours required for care decreased by an average of 78%. This represents significant potential savings in health care costs. Other studies support the findings of improved self-esteem, independence, and social acceptance.

When living with a trained service dog, people with physical disabilities experience improved self-esteem and psychological well-being. When disabled people go out in public with their service dogs, individuals in the community are much friendlier toward them, which serves as an incentive for the disabled person to go out more often. Disabled individuals who own service dogs thus become more active socially, attend school, and go to work more often; they also require less assistance from caregivers, including paid healthcare workers, family, and friends.

Service dogs assist persons with a variety of disabilities including but not limited to: spinal cord and head injuries, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, arthritis, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and chronic pain disorders.

The Domesti-PUPS Service-PUPS program helps  disabled individuals gain the independence they so greatly deserve. These dogs are taught to pick up dropped items from the floor, open doors, turn on light switches, provide balance, pull wheelchairs, and can even be taught to sort laundry. These special canines are taught anywhere from 30-90 commands over a two-year period before being placed with their future life partner. Clients of our Service-PUPS program attend a 12-day training camp. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the client.

If you have interest in applying for a Service-PUP, please email [email protected] to request an application.
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