Families that already have a pet dog MAY NOT be considered for selection. Temperaments of existing pets will be assessed on a case by case manner. All pets including dogs and cats will have to be vaccinated yearly.
Consideration needs to be given in relation to the financial implications of looking after an Assistance Dog and other pets.
If there is an existing cat within the home , Assistance Dogs NI will do their best to socialise the Assistance Dog with a cat.
If there is more than one child in the family home, it is important that the other children understand that the Assistance Dog is a special dog and that they will not be able to treat it like a family pet, we would like the main bond to be between the child with autism and the dog.
The benefits of an Assistance Dog are as follows:
- Increased safety of the child
- Increase child’s independence
- Control by child by commanding dog
- Teaches the child responsibility
- Full public access to shops, restaurants, etc.
- Positive changes in behaviour, lower aggression level
- Comforts when upset
The provision of an Assistance Dog may be inappropriate in a family for the following reasons:
- Family member allergic to dogs, this includes dog hair and saliva
- Dog hair and muddy paws unwelcome
- Unwilling to clean up dog faeces
- Family member afraid of dog
- Lack of adequate facilities
- Parent(s) working full-time leading to the dog being left alone for extended periods of time
If there is an existing cat within the home , Assistance Dogs NI will do their best to socialize the Assistance Dog with a cat.
If there is more than one child in the family home, it is important that the other children understand that the Assistance Dog is a special dog and that they will not be able to treat it like a family pet, we would like the main bond to be between the child with autism and the dog.
