Train an Assistance Dog to Support Your Unique Needs
Struggling with daily challenges? An assistance dog can provide life-changing support. At PAWS Assistance Dogs, we help you train your own assistance dog - giving you expert guidance to create a reliable, supportive companion.
Our structured programme supports individuals and families, helping dogs develop the skills needed to assist with physical disabilities, psychiatric conditions and neurodivergent needs. Through a blend of online training and in-person support, we make the process simple and achievable.
β‘οΈ Your journey starts with the right dog. To apply, youβll need a puppy or dog that is friendly with people and other dogs.
Selected by Families, Backed by Results
Hundreds of families have successfully trained their Assistance Dogs with PAWS. See their experiences in our testimonials and Trustpilot reviews.
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"Super impressed with the process and integrity of this course. The online element is easy to use, exceptionally useful and tests knowledge and learning throughoutβ¦ the zoom supervision sessions are friendly, and full of useful training info. Iβm very impressed with the high expectations and resources available to us as learners"
Lou & Phoenix
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"Fantastic support throughout. I have a German Shepard and this training has not only enabled me to teach my dog new things but also taught me to understand my dogs behaviour and to help us to bond. I would really recommend this course!"
Shazza
Trusted by Schools, Councils & Organisations Across the UK
Weβre proud to work with councils, schools and organisations to support families on their journey to training an
Assistance Dog.
Why Families Choose PAWS Assistance Dogs
Proven Expertise & Exceptional Results
Our gold-standard training programme is designed for long-term success, with expert support every step of the way.
All Breeds Welcome
We work with a wide range of dog breeds - what matters most is the right temperament, not breed restrictions.
Tailored for a Variety of
Needs
We support individuals with many diagnosed conditions, ensuring personalised training for the best outcomes.
Designed for Neurodivergent Learners
Our accessible, step-by-step programme makes learning clear, stress-free and adaptable to different learning styles.
Empower Your Dog to Support You Every Day
With our step-by-step guidance, youβll achieve:
β A highly trained Assistance Dog that meets and exceeds UK Public Access standards, ready to support you in public spaces.
β A deep, lasting bond with your dog, built through force-free training methods that encourage trust and confidence.
β Greater independence and improved quality of life, with a dog trained to assist in everyday tasks and provide essential support.
Your Path to a Fully Trained Assistance Dog
Our programme gives you everything you need to train and graduate with a fully certified Assistance Dog - minus the treats!
Flexible Monthly Payments
Spread the cost with 12 affordable instalments of Β£349/month.
Whatβs included?
βοΈ Full online, step-by-step training programme
βοΈ Weekly live mentor sessions with experts
βοΈ 2 years of ongoing support
βοΈ Level 1 & Level 2 training assessments
βοΈ Public Access Test for certification
βοΈ Exclusive support community
βοΈ Welcome pack delivered to your door
βοΈ Essential legal documents
βοΈ Official certificates at each training stage
Β£349/month for 12 months
Start today with a flexible plan!
One-Time Payment for Full Programme Access
Pay in full and enjoy a Β£500 discount - your best-value option!
Whatβs included?
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Everything in the monthly plan PLUS:
βοΈ PAWS Assistance Dog Jacket (on graduation)
βοΈ Exclusive βIn Trainingβ Apparel Access
π° A huge Β£500 saving!
One-time payment: Β£3,688 (instead of Β£4,188!)
Save money & secure your place today!
How to Join the PAWS Assistance Dog Progamme
1
Complete Your Application
Fill out our short form and tell us about you and your dog. The more detail you provide, the better we can understand your needs.
2
Book Your Assessment Call
Chat with our expert team, who will assess your dogβs temperament and your requirements. If our programme is the right fit, weβll invite you to enrol - or weβll guide you towards the best alternative.
3
Begin Your Training Journey
If accepted, youβll officially join the PAD Programme and start working towards an Assistance Dog partnership with our full support.
About PAWS
PAWS is a leading UK organisation specialising in Therapy and Assistance Dog training. We work with families, schools, councils, charities, therapeutic professionals and the NHS to train dogs that provide life-changing support.
Our dedicated team is committed to helping people gain greater independence and confidence through high-quality training, expert guidance and thorough assessments.
With a focus on positive, ethical training methods, we empower people to develop strong partnerships with their dogs, helping them to navigate daily life with greater ease.
You Donβt Have to Train an Assistance Dog Alone
Training an Assistance Dog can be life-changing for your family, but doing it alone is overwhelming. Without expert guidance, itβs easy to feel lost - struggling to teach advanced tasks, unsure of public access laws and worried about whether your dog is the right fit.
At PAWS, we take a different approach. Our expert-led PAD Programme gives you step-by-step support, helping you train your dog with confidence.
β Know if your dog is a good match before you invest.
β Follow a structured, expert-approved training plan that works.
β Learn at your own pace with online lessons, live mentorship and in-person training.
β Affordable and flexible payment options so cost isnβt a barrier.
What Our Partnerships Say...
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"I was let down by another organisation who I'd paid a lot of money to and turned to PAWS for help. Their support and guidance has been incredible and Robson is now well on the way to qualifying!"
- ABBEY & ROBSON
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"I have received life changing support from the PAWS team to help me train my cockerpoo, Wilson, who can be easily distracted. Since starting the PAWS training he is a different dog. I will be forever thankful."
- GARETH & WILSON
See Nici On ITV News
An extraordinary spotlight was cast on our efforts at PAWS Therapy & Assistance Dog Training during an exclusive ITV Tyne Tees feature recently!
Our journey to Newcastle marked a pivotal moment as Nici, our Head of Training, and the graduate Therapy Dog team of Heather and Fergus, took centre stage in a heart-warming interview.
This special feature showcased the transformative work Heather and Fergus have been doing at Welbeck Academy, demonstrating the profound impact of animal-assisted counselling sessions.
Through the lens of ITV, Nici outlined the essential work that our beloved furry companions play in supporting children and young people and the increasing recognition of Therapy Dogs in supporting learning, neurodivergence and mental health conditions.
Weβre SO proud that the ITV feature not only celebrates the achievements of Heather and Fergus, but also shines a light on the critical and expanding role of therapy dogs in educational and therapeutic settings, a testament to our mission at Paws Therapy Dog Training!
Frequently Asked Questions...
How do I enrol?
Fill in the application form to tell us about you and your dog. If we can help, you'll be invited to book a compatibility interview where we'll assess your suitability for the programme.
Is there a waitlist to join?
Numbers are strictly limited on each intake so that we can ensure the very best support. Places are prioritised on a first come, first served basis but do take into account the individual needs of the applicant.
*Do you accept all breeds?
Yes, we accept all breeds (apart from those on the Banned Breeds List UK) as long as they are healthy and this can be proven with a vet health check. For more information please see the Gov.uk website.
Do you accept unneutered dogs?
Yes, we accept both neutered and unneutered dogs. PAWS will never recommend spaying or castrating your dog unless there is a clear medical or behavioural need - and this should be discussed with a qualified Dog Trainer and with your vet to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Do you accept raw fed dogs?
Yes, raw fed dogs are accepted onto the programme.
At what age can my dog begin training?
We accept puppies from 8 weeks of age onto the programme. The earlier training is started, the better the outcome. Your dog will need to be a minimum of 18 months old to take their Public Access test, but most dogs will take two years or more to complete the training to the required level for Public Access.
How long does it take to train an Assistance Dog?
You should expect the entire training process to take up to two years, depending on your dog's level of training when they started.
For how long will I be supported by PAWS Assistance Dogs?
The PAWS programme will support you for a full two years, including weekly live mentor sessions.
Can anyone utilise an Assistance Dog?
A handler must qualify as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 to utilise an Assistance Dog. This means that their disability must significantly impair their capacity to perform typical daily activities with long-term adverse effects. We do not discriminate and simply require a letter from your doctor or mental health professional to confirm the diagnosis before admittance to the programme.
Are there any conditions not suitable for the programme?
PAWS Assistance Dogs support a wide variety of diagnosed conditions. These include, but are not limited to: physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, brain or spinal injuries, cancer diagnosis, stroke, or for wheelchair users; and psychiatric and neurological support, including depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, and PTSD. At the moment, we do not support medical detection or guiding/hearing.
Do I need to be in the UK?
Currently our Programme is only suitable for those living in the UK. Please note that you will need to travel with your dog to attend in-person assessments, these are held at various locations around the UK and you can choose the date and location you'd like to attend.
How will I know if my dog is suitable?
We provide a thorough telephone Temperament Assessment, utilising video if necessary, to assess your dog's temperament and potential prior to offering a space. Throughout the programme, you'll also undertake regular in-person assessments with experienced Trainers to ensure you and your dog are on the right track. If there are any concerns over your dog's temperament and behaviour at any stage, we may refer you to a local trainer for additional support.
Will I need specific insurance for my dog?
Your dog will have Public Liability Insurance that specifically covers them to work as an Assistance Dog. We talk about specific providers that we have used and recommend in the programme.
Can you certify my dog to go into public places?
There is no 'official certification' of Assistance Dogs in the UK, therefore, it is not possible for PAWS (or any other charity or organisation) to officially certify an Assistance Dog. However, your dog can take a Public Access Test in order to gain access to public spaces.
Do I have to take the Public Access test?
Public access tests are optional. Some of our Assistance Dog partnerships simply wish for their dog to perform tasks at home and don't require access.
Will my dog become a registered Assistance Dog?
Please note that there is no official registration or certification for Assistance Dogs in the UK. You and your dog will be a member of PAWS only and printed certificates provided to show only the level of training completed on the programme. If your dog mitigates your disability, you are covered by the Equality Act 2010.
Does PAWS support with access issues?
We can provide letters confirming your enrolment on the Programme and the level of training your dog has achieved.
Does every dog make it as an Assistance Dog?
Not all dogs are suitable to become Assistance Dogs. Additionally, not every partnership will achieve the level of training required to pass all of the assessments, however, assessments are not required by law and your dog can still assist you with tasks and support at home. The Public Access test is optional and you may choose not to take this element of the programme.
Are you an ADI organisation?
Assistance Dogs International, Inc. (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit programs that train and place Assistance Dogs. We are not a member of ADI, but we do subscribe to their ethos and values and train to the highest standards.
Do you provide an Assistance Dog jacket?
Please note that there is no 'official' Assistance Dog jacket, nor official Assistance Dog registration or certification. All partnerships will receive a PAWS logo Assistance Dog jacket when they graduate from the programme, to recognise that they have trained with PAWS. Additionally, PAWS 'in training' jackets can be purchased following successful passing of our level two in-person assessment. Please note that jackets are not a legal requirement.
