The primary disability must be Autism and we require written evidence of the diagnosis from an official body.
For Autism Anchor Dogs. Applications can only be considered for children up to a maximum of 10 years of age, however there may be exceptions to this and it will be determined on a case by case basis as placements for children over the age of 10 cannot be guaranteed due to the child’s size and strength.
In the case of children who are 10 or older, you should refer to our Autism Companion Assistance Dog Programme. At present we only have funding for children up to the age of 12 years old.
- You are a permanent resident of Northern Ireland.
- Your child MUST HAVE a written evidence of an autism diagnosis from an official body.
- You have a secure back garden.
- A responsible adult at home all day. As Assistance Dogs cannot be left alone any longer than two hours.
- That you drive or have access to someone at all times that can drive you and the puppy.
- Maximum of 3 of children in household including the applicant (although ADNI can change this at their discretion to allow more siblings however certain criteria has to be met which includes age of siblings and home environment) The youngest Child needs to be 3+ years old.
- If in rented accommodation, your landlord has provided written consent to an Assistance Dog living on the premises.
- You have an outside area accessible by yourself, a minimum of 10-foot X 10 foot on ground level that can be allocated to use for the dog’s toileting purposes.
- You can provide a means of feeding, giving water and grooming the dog.
- You are capable of independently completing a minimum of a forty minute/run per day with the dog.
- If successful, when required you would be able to attend the weekly ADNI Training.
- You can provide access to a veterinary surgeon for routine preventative treatments and emergency treatment.
- Consideration has to be given in respect to the number of children (living in the household) and ages of children.
- You are able to meet the financial costs of the up-keep of an Assistance Dog and you agree to undertake all determined costs such as annual insurance, insurance excess (should there be a claim), feeding, worming, flea treatment, annual vaccination including kennel cough, and replacement of equipment. Click Here
- You have identified two individuals that can support you by looking after the Assistance Dog should you fall ill/go on holidays or there is a family emergency support.
