Our Programs
Please Note: Service Dogs of Virginia only places service dogs with clients who live in Virginia.
Physical Assistance Dogs
Our clients are people who require the use of a wheelchair full or part time, or who have a disability that involves balance or motor coordination. Clients must be cognitively able to manage a dog and benefit from the type of assistance a dog can provide. They must also demonstrate an ability to meet the needs of the dog. Children must be at least 10 years old and have adequate adult support whether from parents or an aide or both.
We only place service dogs with clients who live in Virginia. Clients outside of Virginia are encouraged to contact service dog organizations closer to their geographic area so they can receive on going support when needed. Both dogs and people require periodic “tune ups”. When a program is geographically inaccessible, people go without help reducing the effectiveness of their canine helpmates.
We also train Balance Dogs for individuals who need assistance while walking. A balance dog would take the place of a cane for someone – helping (rather than fully supporting or holding up) an individual.
Autism Dogs
Autism Service Dogs are matched with a child between the ages of two and ten and their primary purpose is to improve a child’s safety. We work with parents and educators to incorporate the dog into the child’s overall educational plan and believe that the greatest success comes from the fullest use of the dog’s skill and training. Autism Service Dogs can be used to help improve a child’s communication skills, form social bonds, ease difficult transitions, and more.
In the dog’s main role as partner, he is tethered to the child and will anchor himself in a “stay” and not move until cued by the parent/ handler if a child is heading toward an undesirable situation or danger. Dogs are taught to walk with a child by their side at the same time the adult is holding the leash and following behind. A child that is tethered to the dog is thus prevented from running away, or into a dangerous situation. Autism service dogs are always under the supervision of an adult caregiver even though in service to a child. Parents or other adults are expected to facilitate, support and oversee the pair.
Each person who receives a service dog receives our commitment to provide ongoing training and support for the working life of their dog.
Diabetic Alert Dogs
Beginning with a pilot program in 2009 with 2 dogs, Service Dogs of Virginia is training dogs to detect and alert to low blood sugar for clients with Type 1 Diabetes. By alerting when blood sugar is dropping, dogs can prevent an extreme low from happening and permit a person to manage their blood sugar in a timely manner. Future candidates for a diabetic alert dog will need to demonstrate good current management practices and verify that existing systems need to be supplemented. They also must meet our regular criteria for receiving a service dog.
