At Paws With A Cause, every partnership begins long before a client is matched with their assistance dog. Behind the scenes, there’s a thoughtful, personal, and collaborative process designed to ensure every client and every assistance dog has the best chance to thrive together. Whether you’re thinking about applying or you’re simply curious about how the process works, here’s a look at what to expect from your application request all the way to placement.
Requesting an Application (January–March)
Each year, we open application requests from January to March. This first step is not the full application; it consists of prescreening questions that help us determine if PAWS is the right assistance dog organization for your needs, before you take the time to complete the full application.
Application requests are reviewed within a few weeks of being received. If our team feels PAWS can suit your needs, we send the full application almost immediately. The completed application is due by June, giving applicants several months to gather documentation and prepare materials.
Full Application Review (Summer)
After full applications are submitted, we take time to carefully review each one. In August, applicants are notified whether they will move forward in the process.
Needs Assessment & Home Visit (Fall)
Those moving forward enter the needs assessment phase, which typically takes place between September and November. During this stage, we learn more about the applicant’s lifestyle, daily routines, support network, and environment.
This step includes:
- A home visit
- A background check for adults living in the home
- A 30-day activity log documenting daily activity
- Emergency contact information
- Additional documentation if needed
After materials are submitted, a PAWS committee composed of Client Services and Training staff review the applicant’s full profile. If accepted, clients receive formal confirmation, and we begin searching for the right dog to meet the client’s needs and lifestyle.
Custom Matching
Matching isn’t about finding a dog quickly—it’s about finding the right dog based on lifestyle, needs, personality, and environment.
While times vary, we average it may take 12–18 months to pair a dog with the client, though it may be shorter or longer depending on the match. During this time, PAWS checks in periodically to stay updated on any major life changes that could affect placement.
Placement & Transition to Team Life
Once a match is made, the dog undergoes custom training to meet the client’s specific needs. Custom training typically takes two to three months.
When training is complete, placing the dog with the client can go one of two ways. Local clients are invited to visit PAWS, tour our facility, and meet our staff as they pick up their new PAWS assistance dog.
Clients who are too far to travel or unable to travel will have their PAWS assistance dog brought to them by their field representative.
From there, bonding and team training take place in the client’s home, allowing
the team to bond and learn in their everyday environment.
Ready to Begin Your PAWS Journey?
Application requests open each year from January to March. If you’re considering an assistance dog, now is a great time to learn more and prepare for when applications open.
If you’re not applying but still want to help change lives, you can support future teams by making a donation that fuels breeding, training, care, and placement.
Note: Every applicant’s experience is unique and can vary from the timeline estimates discussed in this blog.
