Q: What is Service Paws?
A: Service Paws is a nonprofit organization based in Layton, Utah, dedicated to helping individualsāespecially veterans, first responders, and low-income familiesātrain their own service dogs through an owner-assisted training model.
Q: What makes Service Paws different from other service dog organizations?
A: We focus on owner-assisted training, which means the service dog candidate lives and trains with their handler from the start. This strengthens the bond and helps the dog attune to the handlerās unique needs.
Q: Do you only work with veterans?
A: No, while we are proud to support veterans and first responders, our programs are open to civilians with qualifying disabilities as well.
Q: Is Service Paws a registered nonprofit?
A: Yes, we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible and directly support our mission.
Q: What is a service dog?
A: A service dog is a specially trained dog that performs tasks to assist a person with a disability. These tasks must be directly related to the personās disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Q: What types of disabilities qualify for a service dog?
A: Physical disabilities (e.g., mobility impairments, seizure disorders) and mental health conditions (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression) may qualifyāif the dog can be trained to perform specific tasks to assist.
Q: What kinds of tasks do your service dogs learn?
A: Our dogs are trained for tasks such as grounding during panic attacks, interrupting harmful behaviors, retrieving items, opening doors, and providing stability for mobility.
Q: Do you provide fully trained service dogs?
A: No, we guide and support the owner-assisted training process. Handlers train their dogs under our professional guidance, which results in a stronger, more personalized partnership.
Q: How long does it take to train a service dog?
A: Training typically takes 1 to 2 years depending on the dogās age, previous training, and the tasks required. We provide evaluations and benchmarks throughout the process.
Q: Who can apply for your training program?
A: Applicants must have a qualifying disability, be able to participate in training sessions, and provide proper care for a dog. An intake process determines suitability for our program.
Q: Do I need to already have a dog?
A: Not necessarily. We can evaluate your current dog or help guide you in selecting a suitable candidate.
Q: Is there a cost for your services?
A: Yes, but we offer sliding scale pricing based on income and provide sponsorship opportunities to help make training affordable for all.
Q: Do you offer training for dogs that arenāt service dogs?
A: Yes! We offer basic obedience and behavior training for pets, and all proceeds help fund our service dog program.
Q: What are therapy dogs, and do you offer that too?
A: Therapy dogs offer comfort and emotional support in settings like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. We have a therapy dog volunteer program for those interested in giving back to the community.
Q: How else can I support your mission?
A: You can donate, volunteer, attend fundraisers, or sponsor a dog or handler. Every bit helps change lives!
Q: What are the legal rights of a service dog handler?
A: Under the ADA, service dogs can accompany their handlers into public places where pets are not typically allowed. Staff may only ask two questions: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Q: Can emotional support animals (ESAs) go to public places too?
A: No. ESAs are not service animals under the ADA and do not have the same public access rights.
Q: How should I behave around a service dog?
A: Do not distract, pet, or feed a service dog while it is working. Always ask the handler before approaching or interacting.
Q: How do I get started with Service Paws?
A: Visit our website at www.servicepaws.org to complete an interest form, or contact us directly via email or social media to learn more.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are based in Layton, Utah, but offer virtual consultations and training support for some services.
At Service Paws, we recognize that healing isn’t always visibleāand neither is strength. Many of the individuals we serve live with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that can make everyday life feel overwhelming.
Our trained service dogs provide more than companionshipāthey offer grounding, comfort, and confidence during lifeās most difficult moments.
This month, let’s break the silence, reduce the stigma, and honor every journey toward healing.
You’re not alone. š¾š
#MentalHealthAwareness #ServicePaws #InvisibleNoMore