#MINIMUM AGE FOR SERVICE DOG PROFESSIONAL#

Volunteer PALSĭo PALS Social, Therapy, Reading, Comfort and Courthouse Dogs have public access like a service dog has? NO, they do not! PALS Social, Therapy, Reading, Comfort & Courthouse Dogs are allowed to go wherever “pet” dogs are allowed unless they have been approved to visit one of PALS facility partners or venues.

How much does the dog and team training cost? $2,500. What does a PALS facility dog do? Facility PALS assist professionals working with children with special needs in a variety of settings.ĭoes the team have public access? No, facility dogs do not have public access.

#MINIMUM AGE FOR SERVICE DOG PROFESSIONAL#

Who can apply for a PALS facility dog? Any professional working with children with special needs can apply. Hopefully, when the child is scared, they will remember to call out to their dog thereby alerting those looking for the child. We do train the children and dogs to play the “find me” game. If a child is missing, call 911 or local law enforcement immediately. Our dogs are not trained in search and rescue. They are dogs and are not responsible for taking the place of a human caregiver.Īre the dogs trained to find my child if s/he gets lost? No. Each family is carefully screened.ĭo Autism Service Dogs have public access with a child with autism? Very definitely, yes!ĭoes the service dog take the place of the primary caregiver? Absolutely not! PALS dogs assist in helping the child to stay safe, interrupt repetitive behaviors and are a constant friend, just to name a few. The child must not be violent towards animals.

Who is eligible to apply for a PALS Service dog? Any family with a child on the autism spectrum between the ages of 5 and 15 years of age. If a particular story moves you, please help that family by generously giving a donation specifically earmarked for that child or dog. Potential client and service dog stories are featured on our website. PALS will assist families with fundraisers when asked to do so. Each family is asked to fund raise or contribute according to their financial ability to offset a portion of our costs. However, since PALS receives contributions and donations from the public, and will apply for grants, the fee for obtaining a service dog and the necessary family team training is significantly less. How much does it cost? The average expense in breeding, socializing, raising, training and placing a service dog is $20,000. Families will be notified regarding their status soon thereafter. When completed applications, application fees and PALS representative’s recommendations are received, PALS’ client committee will meet to discuss possible placement of a PALS dog with each applicant. A PALS representative will take a current dog-in-training to the home interview to meet the child and his/her family. A potential client’s parent must call or send an email requesting a home interview and an autism service dog application.

The application process takes approximately one to two months. Since our team training is on an individual team basis, placement will be made when each team has met PALS rigorous guidelines. The matching and client training process may begin when the dog is still a puppy in its puppy raiser’s home, but not officially placed until the dog is at least 14 months of age and has passed all of his/her medical screenings. How old are the dogs when they are matched? The age varies depending on when the client application is received and approved. What dog breeds does PALS use as autism service dogs? Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Golden/Lab crosses. Frequently Asked Questions Autism Service PALS

Minimum age for service dog