For Individuals & Families

Paws With A Cause transforms lives by providing custom-trained assistance dogs to individuals and families, encouraging greater independence, confidence, and connection.

Individual & Family Services

Service Dogs for Physical Mobility

For a physical disability, debilitating chronic illness, or neurological disorder.

Hearing Dogs

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Epileptic Seizure Response Dogs

For those with epilepsy.

Service Dogs for Children with Autism

For children seven and younger with autism.

Medical Alert Dogs

For people with type 1 diabetes or POTS.

"He alerts me to important sounds and gives me comfort and confidence. I won’t miss the smoke detector, the open fridge, or someone at the door. With him here, I feel safe and never alone."

Carla, Hearing Dog Client

“I used to drop things on the floor, and I'd have to leave them there till a friend came over. Now, I don't have to worry about that. I can just have friends over because they're my friends, and not because I need help, and that is amazing.”

Ashley, Service Dog for Mobility Client

What to Expect

Step 1: Enrollment & Application

Each year from January to March, PAWS accepts initial application requests. Approved applicants receive a full application due by June 1. After review, selected candidates move on to an in-home needs assessment.

Step 2: In-Home Needs Assessment

Typically held in the fall, a PAWS field representative visits your home to evaluate your environment, needs, and compatibility with the program. This stage may take up to 24 months from the initial application. Once completed, you enter the waiting pool to be matched with a dog.

Step 3: Client-Dog Matching

Matching begins as soon as you’re in the waiting pool. We consider your lifestyle, activity level, and needs alongside our dogs’ traits. While a match is often found within 18 months, it may take up to two years to ensure the best fit.

Step 4: Custom Training

After a match, the dog undergoes on average five to ten months of custom training based on your needs assessment.

Step 5: Team Training & Certification

Once the dog is placed in the clients home, a PAWS field representative supports you through four to eight months of guided training. After video-demonstrated proficiency, your team is certified and dog ownership transfers to you. Re-certification takes place at one year, and then every two years thereafter, with additional support provided as needed.

Step 6: Ongoing Support & Successor Matching

PAWS provides lifelong support, including retraining as needed. If your dog retires or passes, you can apply for a successor dog. If your application is accepted, you receive priority access to ensure continued independence.

Have questions?

Get the answers you need to take the next step. Our comprehensive FAQ page addresses common questions about our PAWS dogs, the application process, and how we support you from start to finish.