Autism Assist Dogs

On this page you will find information about our Autism Assist Dog program, including information about the application and training process, applicant criteria, and how to apply for an Autism Assist Dog.

Program Overview

Since 2007, Can Do Canines has trained Autism Assist Dogs to help provide security and peace of mind to families with children with autism.

Autism Assist Dogs wear a cape that the child can be tethered to, and which has a handle that the child can hold when walking alongside the dog. The dog is handled by a parent, and helps keep the child from bolting or wandering.

Due to high demand, the wait for current clients to be teamed and certified with an Autism Assist Dog is two to three years.

Thanks to our generous supporters and volunteers, all of our dogs are provided to clients at no charge!

More information:

• Sam and Reno's story
• Service Dogs Give Kids With Autism More Confidence (WCCO.com)

Application & Training Process

Can Do Canines is currently accepting pre-applications for Autism Assist Dogs. Pre-applications reserve families a place on our waiting list (which is currently two to three years) in the order the pre-applications are received. Once our current client list has been served, we will begin contacting families on the waiting list to begin the full application process.

Pre-Applicant Criteria

Pre-Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for our Autism Assist Dog program:

• The family must reside in Minnesota.
• The child must be between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. This is the age range in which a dog can realistically be expected to be able to help restrain the child physically, and takes into account the current two-year waiting list.
• The child must have an autism diagnosis.
• The family must be physically and financially able to take full responsibility for the dog after certification.

Due to the high demand for Autism Assist Dogs, we are unable to make exceptions to these criteria at this time.

We are currently unable to consider pets for owner-training for the Autism Assist Dog program.

Can Do Canines is expanding the Autism Assist Dog to include Greater Minnesota in 2009. You can help!

FAQs and Fact Sheets

• Autism Assist Dog FAQ

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How To Apply

To pre-apply for an Autism Assist Dog, please email or call us at 763-331-3000, ext. 157, and provide the following information:

• Name
• Child's name and age
• Address
• E-mail address and/or phone number

We will mail an application packet to you within 24 hours. There is no application fee for a pre-application.