Autism Assistance Dogs Criteria

You need to meet the criteria below before you can be considered for an autism anchor assistance dog.

• 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.
• Child must have confirmed diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We require written evidence from an official body. Please DO NOT SEND YOUR ORIGINAL COPY.

It will always remain ADNI’s decision whether  a dog can be placed with a family. As the welfare and well-being of our dogs is paramount