CANADIAN GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
AUTISM SERVICE DOG
Autism Service Dogs support children aged 2 to 5 (at time of application) who are on the Autism Spectrum, offering them safety, companionship and unconditional love.
CANADIAN GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
AUTISM SERVICE DOG
Autism Service Dogs support children aged 2 to 5 (at time of application) who are on the Autism Spectrum, offering them safety, companionship and unconditional love.
Autism Service Dog Program
We’re pleased to announce that the Autism Service Dog program waitlist will be open on Monday July 28th, 2025. Please read the Information Package in full before submitting your Expression of Interest. If the number of submissions exceeds the available spots, a random selection process will determine which applications move forward. Those not selected will need to wait for the next waitlist opening to reapply. Please note as this is currently a pilot project, we are only accepting applicants from the greater Ottawa area at this time.
Before applying, we encourage you to carefully review the Information Package to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. The application process can be both emotional and demanding, so it’s important to be fully informed before deciding to move forward.
Please note that we do not train hypoallergenic breeds. Should you require one please visit Assistance Dogs International website for a list of organizations to contact. If you’re unable to complete the Expression of Interest Form online, please contact info@guidedogs.ca for further information.
Autism Service Dog Program
We’re pleased to announce that the Autism Service Dog program waitlist will be open on Monday July 28th, 2025. Please read the Information Package in full before submitting your Expression of Interest. If the number of submissions exceeds the available spots, a random selection process will determine which applications move forward. Those not selected will need to wait for the next waitlist opening to reapply.
Before applying, we encourage you to carefully review the Information Package to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. The application process can be both emotional and demanding, so it’s important to be fully informed before deciding to move forward.
Please note that we do not train hypoallergenic breeds. Should you require one please visit Assistance Dogs International website for a list of organizations to contact. If you’re unable to complete the Expression of Interest Form online, please contact info@guidedogs.ca for further information.
Additional Considerations
Teaming up with an autism service dog requires a great deal of responsibility and effort to keep up with existing training and general care and well-being of the dog (i.e. food, veterinary expenses, etc.). You must be willing and ready to schedule and enter into a period of 2-4 weeks of intensive training with a dog upon being matched with an autism service dog. Autism service dog are not for everybody. They require a great deal of commitment. They are highly trained, intelligent canines but they are still dogs. Autism service dog need time, effort and attention on a daily basis to maintain the work standard they were trained to do.
Does It Cost Anything to Receive a Autism Service Dog?
Our services are provided free of charge to accepted applicants. There is a nominal $1 fee when you receive your dog. This is a lease, as the dog legally remains the property of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
I Would Like to Apply for a Autism Service Dog
If you’ve reviewed our Information Package and feel that your child would benefit from an autism service dog, please complete the Expression of Interest Form and return it to info@guidedogs.ca.
Additional Considerations
Teaming up with an autism service dog requires a great deal of responsibility and effort to keep up with existing training and general care and well-being of the dog (i.e. food, veterinary expenses, etc.). You must be willing and ready to schedule and enter into a period of 2-4 weeks of intensive training with a dog upon being matched with an autism service dog. Autism service dog are not for everybody. They require a great deal of commitment. They are highly trained, intelligent canines but they are still dogs. Autism service dog need time, effort and attention on a daily basis to maintain the work standard they were trained to do.
Does It Cost Anything to Receive a Autism Service Dog?
Our services are provided free of charge to accepted applicants. There is a nominal $1 fee when you receive your dog. This is a lease, as the dog legally remains the property of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
I Would Like to Apply for a Autism Service Dog
If you’ve reviewed our Information Package and feel that your child would benefit from an autism service dog, please complete the Expression of Interest Form and return it to info@guidedogs.ca.
