Transform Your Pet Dog Into A Highly-Trained Assistance Dog With PAWS
PAWS Assistance Dogs (PAD) is a premier Assistance Dog Programme in the UK, dedicated to aiding individuals and families in training outstanding Assistance Dogs to cater to an extensive range of physical disabilities, psychiatric and neurological conditions through online training and in-person support.
We know that owner-training an Assistance Dog is sometimes the only option available to a family or individual, and this is a very valiant choice... but going the journey alone can also be very time-consuming, overwhelming or confusing.
Without specialist dog training knowledge, it can be difficult to effectively teach the advanced training tasks that may be necessary to support you or a loved one. Additionally, without guidance on the law and access rights, navigating public spaces during training can feel like a minefield; and we know firsthand that training and preparing your dog for their Public Access test on your own can feel daunting.
If you or a family member desperately need the support of an Assistance Dog, these challenges and stresses can make 'going it alone' either impractical or impossible.
The alternative to owner-training an Assistance Dog is a 'trained for you' or residential package... but as the training is often undertaken by a separate trainer and handler, or away from you and your family completely, these options regularly face challengesβand often, sadly, fail entirely.
With many assisted or residential training options starting in the range of Β£8-10k+ as an upfront investment, plus the cost of remedial training when inevitable bumps in the road occur, these options are just not accessible for so many.
Beyond the huge financial and time investment, the more common challenge faced by many on their Assistance Dog journey is that they, further along the path, find that their dog was never an ideal match for their needsβand, whilst a wonderful family pet, the dog just isn't appropriate for the tasks that you or your family need to be effectively supported or to pass public access.
This realisation can be devastating for everyone involved, both financially and emotionally.
Our Unique Approach...
At PAWS, we do things a little differently.
We believe that long-lasting Assistance Dog partnerships are founded on a deep understanding and management of expectations from the outset. By gaining an in-depth understanding of your needs and the unique temperament and behaviour traits of your dog with a thorough temperament assessment, we are transparent about your dog's compatibility before you make any investment, so that you have the confidence to move forward.
The most successful Assistance Dog partnerships are created when the family plays an active role in the training of their special dog and is supported by experts who understand exactly the level of training required.
Our proven, step-by-step hybrid PAD Programme combines the convenience of online, video-based training with weekly live mentor sessions and in-person training to keep you on trackβall at a self-paced frequency that is manageable, convenient, and avoids overwhelm.
We accept almost any diagnosed condition*; we don't require that your dog be trained to a high level before joining us, nor do we have restrictions on breeds*, neutered or raw-fed dogs.
With a small investment and affordable payment plans available, NO hidden fees, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, the programme contains everything you need to know and do to achieve gold standard Assistance Dog training.
With Our Programme, You'll Be Supported To Achieve...
- An exceptionally trained Assistance Dog that exceeds UK Public Access standards who can accompany you in public spaces.
- An unbreakable bond with your Assistance Dog, who will offer daily support and task assistance to make life easier - all trained using effective and force-free training methods.
- An enhanced quality of life, with greater independence and growing confidence.
A few of the Councils, Schools and organisations that PAWS supports:
Why Choose PAWS Assistance Dogs?
β GOLD STANDARD & HIGH SUCCESS RATE
β ALL LEGAL DOG BREEDS ACCEPTED
β MANY DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS WELCOME
β NEURODIVERGENT FRIENDLY LEARNING
What Our Partnerships Say...
β β β β β
"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
β β β β β
"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
Programme Investment
The programme investment is comprehensive and covers everything you need to embark on your Assistance Dog training journey and graduate with an Assistance Dog...
(...well, everything apart from dog treats!)
You can either choose to pay in affordable monthly instalments, or pay upfront and save Β£500:
12 x Monthly Instalments
Your monthly investment includes:
- Comprehensive online video-based Programme
- Weekly Live Mentor Sessions with experts
- 2 years of ongoing support
- Level 1 Training Assessment (taken at 3 months into the programme)
- Level 2 Training Assessment (Pre-Public Access, taken at 12 months into the programme)
- Public Access Test
- Supportive Community Group
- Posted Welcome Pack
- Important Legal Documents
- Printed Certificate to show completion of each stage of training
Β£349/month for 12 months
Upfront, One-Time Investment
Your one-time investment includes:
- Comprehensive online video-based Programme
- Weekly Live Mentor Sessions with experts
- 2 years of ongoing support
- Level 1 Training Assessment (taken at 3 months into the programme)
- Level 2 Training Assessment (Pre-Public Access, taken at 12 months into the programme)
- Public Access Test
- Supportive Community Group
- Posted Welcome Pack
- Important Legal Documents
- Printed Certificate to show completion at each stage of training
- PAWS logo Assistance Dog jacket upon graduation and access to 'in training' apparel
- A HUGE Β£500 saving
Β£3688 in full (saving Β£500)
How To Join The Programme
1
APPLY & TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR DOG
Complete the short application form to tell us about your dog and your unique requirements. Please be as detailed as possible, as we receive a large number of submissions and this will help us to prioritise your application.
2
SCHEDULE A CALL
Book a compatibility interview with our friendly, expert team. They'll complete an in-depth review of your needs and a thorough temperament assessment of your dog, before accepting you onto the programme, provided that you and your dog are a good fit. We'll always point you in a different direction if we can't help.
3
ENROL AND GET STARTED!
If everything lines up with our entry criteria and we're confident that we can help you, you'll enrol on the PAD Programme and, with our support, begin your life-changing Assistance Dog journey.
About PAWS
We're proud to be one of the UK's leading Therapy and Assistance Dog Training organisation supporting thousands of families, schools, councils, charities, therapeutic professionals and the NHS to unleash the incredible power and magic that dogs bring to our lives.
We are powered by a small (but perfectly formed!) team of passionate pet people, who're dedicated to our mission to positively impact one million lives through the life-changing work of Therapy and Assistance Dogs.
We do this through exceptional training, unrivalled support and gold standard assessment for those wishing to train their dog to support their daily life.
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.
