Service Dog Tasks

K9PAD considers all clients with PTSD, regardless of what caused it.  This means we accept Veterans and First Responders, but also civilians. All clients are considered by their needs and what resources we have available to assist.  All clients have their needs accommodated for and are treated with compassion.

Examples of tasks include: finding a bench, deep pressure therapy, alerting to panic and anxiety attacks, proprioception assistance, turning on lights, responding to night terrors, grounding, etc. 

All clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/ Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder are considered on an individual basis.  We consider a number of criteria to ensure that our program can meet the needs of the client. Because of this, not all applicants with EDS/HSD are suitable for our program. However, this does not mean that a Service Dog may not be the right choice, just that our program at this time isn't suitable.  K9PAD is still a very small program. For this reason, we select and train our dogs and determine their special skills and suitability for specific types of disabilities during the second half of their training. We select clients based on the type of Service Dog available.  Some clients require different tasks or special accommodations. This could mean they wait longer if we don't have a suitable Service Dog. Not all clients are equal.

Examples of tasks include:  wheelchair pulling, medication retrieval, bracing (with and without harness), proprioception assistance, item retrieval/picking things up, finding help, deep pressure therapy, balance assistance, transfer assistance, carrying items, retrieve a drink from fridge, responding and alerting to different symptoms.

We take into consideration unique characteristics of EDS/HSD. Examples include: allergies, mobility concerns, the progressive nature of the conditions, mobility equipment, etc. From time to time we will have breeds that shed less than others. Some dogs are better suited for wheelchairs and other assistive equipment.

We consider clients with other conditions based on our resources and abilities.  Some conditions include: traumatic brain injury, panic disorder, scoliosis, and mobility related conditions. Each client is considered on a case-by-case basis.  We ensure that our Instructors understand the condition for which they are training for, as well that we have the appropriate client support staff to assist.  We do not accept clients that we are not able to support throughout the matching and placement.

All clients are considered on a case-by-case basis.  We currently only train a small number of Service Dogs every year. We accept clients based on availability of Service Dogs and the disabilities for which they are trained for. For this reason, we do not accept a wait list. 

All applicants are assessed for suitability and types of tasks.  We work with the client to determine which tasks are required. No two clients are the same.

Once you join K9PAD, you become a part of our family.