FAQ
FAQ About service dogs
Canines for Change provides medical alert dogs including seizure response. Canines for Change also provides dogs for those on the autism spectrum.
Not exactly. The minimum age to obtain a service dog is decided by our Executive Director on a case by case basis dependent on each family’s specific needs.
Most often Canines for Change works with Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers (English and American), golden retrievers and poodles are also used occasionally.
No. Canines for Change does not train client-owned dog due to the extremely selective process involving temperament, health and trainability of dogs.
Services dogs provided by Canines for Change cost upwards of $25,000 for from birth to end of the dogs service career. We offer a lifetime of support and use mainly dogs from our own breeding program. We are able to reduce the cost of the dogs by just over half that price.
Canines for Change offers ideas for client fundraising; however, Canines for Change does not fundraise on behalf of each client. Families can choose to be placed on a waiting list, if accepted, until funding is available to cover the cost of the dog.
Getting a service dog is a timely, often challenging process. Each client and the members of their household MUST understand that having a service dog is a serious, long-term commitment and may not be a great fit for each person/disability.
One MUST be committed to the process or they will not make a successful service dog team. We encourage people to visit our training classes and seminars and talk with our trainers and current families about their experiences on numerous occasions before deciding if a service dog is right for them.
Potential clients must complete a service dog application. Canines for Change evaluates the applicant to determine if a service dog could provide the necessary support required.
Canines for Change is a 501(c)(3) organization that relies entirely on the generous support of our donors, sponsorships and grants. Individuals are able to donate on our website as a one-time or recurring donation.
Canines for Change also welcomes individuals to host their own fundraisers on behalf of Canines for Change such as the following:
- Facebook Birthday Fundraisers
- Selecting “Canines for Change’ as your charity on AmazonSmile
- Sponsor a dog via PayPal (one-time or recurring)
- Team up with a retailer to host an online shopping party with proceeds benefiting Canines for Change
MCL 750.502c(amended) gives all dogs in training the same public access rights as a certified service dog.
FAQ About Facility dogs
Canines for Change provides facility dogs for various facilities including, but not limited to: schools, hospitals, children advocacy centers, colleges, 911 call centers, doctor’s offices and police departments.
No. Canines for Change does not train client-owned dog due to the extremely selective process involving temperament, health and trainability of dogs.
Most often Canines for Change works with Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers (English and American), golden retrievers and poodles are also used occasionally.
Facility dogs live full time with a staff member, come to the facility with them each day, and spend time visiting different staff/students and classrooms/department so everyone can benefit from their presence.
Yes! Each facility dog is paired with a facility based on the specific needs of the facility.
Facility dogs begin training at 8 weeks of age and are eligible to take the Facility Dog Certification Test at one year of age. Canines for Change facility dogs are required to be recertified on an annual basis.