Service Dogs for Physical Mobility

Every day brings new possibilities when you have the right partner by your side. PAWS service dogs are individually trained to help people with physical disabilities accomplish daily tasks with confidence and dignity.

Reclaim Your Independence

Paws With A Cause successfully matches custom-trained service dogs with individuals living multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid degeneration, ALS, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and many other conditions affecting a person’s mobility or strength.

In addition to performing tasks related to a physical disability, a PAWS dog can also be trained to assist with tasks related to a seizure disorder or hearing loss.

What your service dog can do for you:

Pull your wheelchair
Open doors
Turn lights on/off
Provide stability if you fall
Retrieve dropped items as small as a dime

Do you qualify for a service dog?

To be eligible for a PAWS service dog, an individual must:

Be 14 years or older
Have a physical disability, debilitating chronic illness, or neurological disorder affecting one or more limbs
If the dog is also trained for seizure tasks, an individual must have a minimum of one epileptic seizure per month
If the dog is also trained for hearing tasks, an individual must have a minimum of moderate to severe bilateral hearing loss
Be physically and cognitively capable of independently completing in-home and public access training
Be able to independently command and handle their assistance dog

Be able to meet the emotional, physical, and financial needs of their assistance dog
Be in a stable home environment
Actively improve their quality of life and pursue independence with their assistance dog
Have no other dog in the home (other types of pets are permitted)
Live in an area serviced by a PAWS field representative (determined upon application)

Client Stories

The Power of Partnership: Maureen and REGGIE’s Life-Changing Bond

“To me, REGGIE has been the greatest and best in the whole world. He has enhanced every part of my life.”

Confidence, Comfort, and a Raft in the Pool: Kade and STERLING’s PAWS Journey

“Kade is more confident in himself. He feels more independent, even in areas we weren’t expecting.”

Lifeline on Four Legs: Kimberly and WAGS’ Journey of Independence

“She’s a hundred times better than a lifeline button. She’s always watching, always working. My four-legged coworker of the year.”

Have questions?

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