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AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOGS
Thank you for your interest in our Autism Assistance Dog program! Due to high demand, applications are temporarily closed while we process current applicants and improve our application experience. We expect to reopen applications in Fall 2026 — please check back then for updates.
Key Benefits of Autism Assistance Dogs
- Assistance at Home and in Public: Perform essential skills at the parent or handler’s direction to facilitate the child’s daily routine. Autism Assistance Dogs can accompany their child and trained facilitator to most daily activities, except for school.
- Redirection: Perform tasks such as applying deep pressure or gently nudging the child, at the parent’s direction, to take the child’s focus off stimuli in the environment.
- Confidence: Aid in transitions by guiding the child through changes in environment or routine and providing tactile cues to foster independence and enhance engagement in daily activities.
- Companionship: Offers a steady and reassuring presence, serving as both a friend and helper to the child.
Capabilities and Skills
Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to perform tasks that enhance daily life and support children with Autism, including:
- Deep Pressure: trained specific behaviors that provide deep pressure to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Therapeutic Support: Encourages participation in therapies and fosters communication skills.
- Redirection: Helps redirect attention or ease transitions during challenging moments.
- Social Bridging: Creates opportunities for the child to develop relationships and build friendships.
Every Autism Assistance Dog placement is personalized to meet the unique needs of the child and their family, ensuring the highest level of support.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an Autism Assistance Dog, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have a child between the ages of 4-12 with an Autism diagnosis.
- Applicants must need a dog for a minimum of three skills to be used in home, and one skill in public.
- Reside in one of the following states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington.
- Understand that Autism Assistance Dogs are not permitted to accompany children to school.
How Autism Assistance Dog Serenity Has Impacted an Entire Family
Application Process
Pre-application
Applications are currently closed until Fall 2026.
When the process is open, we ask that applicants watch our application video, then complete our brief form to express interest in our program.
Pre application phone call
Meet with a Dogs for Better Lives staff member via phone where we can get to know you and outline next steps.
Submit completed application packet
Send us your completed application packet to finalize your written application, which includes medical reference forms and videos.
Personal interview
Meet with members of our team virtually so we can determine your needs.
Selection review
Dogs for Better Lives staff committee meets to review all applications received during the application window. There are a limited number of wait list spots available. Applicants will be selected to our wait list based on their application and demonstrated intent to integrate the dog’s trained skills into their daily lives.
Waiting list
Those selected for our wait list will be notified, and we will be in touch when we have matched you with a dog in our program. The timeline of the waiting period for a working dog varies, but we strive to keep the wait under 2 years.
Matching and placement
Autism Assistance Dog placements may be made by a trainer in your home environment. In some cases, joining a group placement class may reduce the waiting period for a dog. Group placement classes include a one-on-one training component in your home.
Post placement:
Following the placement, regular communication is required. The client reports regularly on the progress of the dog. When problems or questions arise, our staff are available to assist. In person follow ups, both at home and in public, are a cornerstone of every successful placement.
Dogs for Better Lives provides follow-up support for the life of the team.
Dogs for Better Lives is an equal opportunity organization who does not and shall not unlawfully discriminate based upon race, political orientation, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, or for any discriminatory reason or other status prohibited by applicable law.
