THE PAWS APPROACH | OUR PARTNERSHIPS | REVIEWS
TRANSFORM YOUR PET DOG INTO A PAWS CERTIFIED ASSISTANCE DOG WITH PUBLIC ACCESS
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.
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 with so much pressure surrounding Public Access testing and certification, we know first hand that training and preparing your dog for this 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 challenges - and often, sadly, fail entirely.
With many assisted or residential training options starting in the range of £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 needs - and, whilst a wonderful emotional support dog and 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 forwards.
The most successful Assistance Dog partnerships are created when the family play an active role in the training of their special dog and are 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 and assessments to keep you on track - all at a self-paced frequency that is manageable, convenient and avoids overwhelm.
We believe in accessibility: 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 and certification with PAWS.
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?
✅ GOLD STANDARD & HIGH SUCCESS RATE
✅ ALL LEGAL DOG BREEDS ACCEPTED
✅ MANY DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS WELCOME
✅ NEURODIVERGENT FRIENDLY LEARNING
WHAT OUR PARTNERSHIPS SAY...
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"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
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"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 be supported for a full two years...
(...well, everything apart from dog treats!)
You can either choose to pay in affordable monthly instalments, or pay upfront and save £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)
- Official Public Access Test
- Supportive Community Group
- Posted Welcome Pack
- Important Legal Documents
- Printed Certificate at each stage of training
- Access to purchase 'in training' merchandise
£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)
- Official Public Access Test
- Supportive Community Group
- Posted Welcome Pack
- Important Legal Documents
- Printed Certificate at each stage of training
- Certified Assistance Dog Jacket upon graduation and access to 'in training' merchandise
- A HUGE £500 saving!
£3688 in full (saving £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 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.
READY TO GET STARTED?
FREQUENT 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 and certify an Assistance Dog?
You should expect the entire training process to take up to two years or more, 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, 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.
Do I have to take the Public Access test?
Whilst the Public Access test is included in the programme investment, it is 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 for Assistance Dogs in the UK. You and your dog will be certified by PAWS only. If your dog mitigates your disability, you are covered by the Equality Act 2010.
Does PAWS support with access issues?
Yes, we will provide official letters confirming your enrolment on the programme and the level of training your dog has achieved, as well as an ID card.
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. As PAWS is not a non-profit, we are not a member of ADI, but we do subscribe to their values and train to the highest standards.
Do you provide an official Assistance Dog jacket?
Please note that there is no 'official' Assistance Dog jacket, nor official Assistance Dog registration. All partnerships will receive a PAWS Certified Assistance Dog jacket and an ID card when they graduate from the programme, to recognise that they have trained and graduated with PAWS. Additionally, PAWS 'in training' jackets can be purchased following successful passing of the level two in-person assessment (pre-public access assessment).
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY.
Take the very first steps to support and freedom with PAWS Assistance Dogs.
