Independent advice for families and professionals exploring the assistance dog pathway. The focus is on helping people understand suitability, expectations, and long-term planning before committing to training or acquiring an assistance dog. Exploring whether an assistance dog is the right support can be complex for families and support coordinators. Decisions often involve long-term commitment, funding considerations, training expectations, and the suitability of the home environment.
I provide independent guidance to help families and professionals make informed decisions before committing to the assistance dog pathway. With more than 30 years of practical experience working with dogs, people, and disability supports, my focus is on helping individuals understand: • whether an assistance dog is likely to be a suitable support • what responsibilities and long-term commitments are involved • how assistance dogs fit within broader disability supports and goals • what families and coordinators should consider before beginning the process.
This service is independent and advisory. The goal is to provide clear, objective guidance so participants, families, and support coordinators can make thoughtful decisions that support positive outcomes for both the person and the dog.