Can Your Dog be a Facility Dog?

There are three main types of assistance dogs:

• Guide Dogs

• Service Dogs

• Facility Dogs

While historically we have specialized in Service Dogs, it's important to understand how each type serves a unique purpose.

Guide Dogs assist individuals who are visually impaired, and we do not provide this type of training. Service Dogs, which we’ve been training for over 50 years, are trained to help individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks to mitigate their disability, such as mobility assistance, medical alert, or providing psychiatric support.

Facility Dogs, on the other hand, are trained to work in a specific environments, like schools, hospitals, or other workplaces. They provide emotional support, reduce stress, and assist in therapeutic settings, but unlike Service Dogs, they are not individually matched to one person. Instead, they work with a team of people in a designated environment. Facility Dogs are integrated into daily routines to offer comfort and support in various settings, enhancing the well-being of those they interact with.

Therapy Dog: A therapy dog provides emotional support and comfort to individuals in many different settings, such as hospitals, schools, or nursing homes. They work with their handlers to visit people who need companionship and emotional support, but for short times (usually under 2 hours a day). Therapy dogs are trained to interact with anyone they meet and don’t work in a specific, structured environment on a daily basis. Their role is to provide comfort and reduce stress.

Facility Dog: A facility dog, on the other hand, is specially trained to work in professional or clinical environments alongside a handler, such as a therapist, social worker, or teacher. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help their handlers in their work environment. For example, a facility dog might help lower anxiety during therapy sessions or assist in interventions in schools or hospitals. Key distinction from therapy dogs: facility dogs have specialized training to support their handler in their role, and they typically work in a fixed facility or environment, rather than visiting many different locations.

In short, therapy dogs provide general comfort and emotional support to the public in various settings. Facility dogs are trained to assist people in specific professional environments, working alongside their handler to help with therapy or other specialized tasks. 

Facility dogs are commonly placed in:

• Schools (to assist students, teachers, and staff)

• Hospitals and healthcare settings

• Libraries and community centers

• Corporate workplaces or wellness programs

• Police & Fire Stations

In our owner-train program, the dog’s handler is an active participant in the dog’s training process. Over six months, the handler works directly with the dog under the guidance of our instructors, learning how to train the dog to perform tasks specific to the facility’s needs. This approach fosters a deep bond between the handler and the dog while ensuring the dog is well-prepared for their role.

Our facility dog training program lasts six months. During this time, the handler works closely with the dog through a series of training sessions and activities, preparing the dog for the specific tasks and environment where they will be working.

The program is offered at $1,200. This includes comprehensive training for both the dog and the handler, along with ongoing support to ensure success within the facility.

The fee also includes the certification test, vest, badge, and ID.

The full payment of $1,200 is due after your dog passes assessment.

Our training groups fill up quickly, and sometimes there is a multi-month wait, so if you’re interested, apply soon. You can submit your application (either email it, or submit online) and then provide a veterinarian report.

Once both are received, our team will review the details and contact you to set up an assessment for your dog.

Training involves six months of weekly sessions where the handler works with the dog on fundamentals, as well as tasks relevant to your facility’s needs. Tasks can include but aren’t limited to calming techniques, assisting with mobility, or supporting emotional well-being. Our trainers will guide you through each step to ensure the dog is ready for its role in the facility.

Yes, even after the training period, we provide continuous support to ensure the facility dog remains effective in the environment. This includes free check-ins by phone, and discounted training.

1. Experience

   After 50 years of training Service Dogs, we’re proud to be building the only ADI-accredited facility dog training program in Southern Arizona. Our instructors are highly certified and constantly seek out professional development.

2. Unique Model

   Our owner-train program allows handlers to develop a deeper connection with their dog than conventional training. This hands-on way of training helps ensure a successful and lasting partnership.

3. Affordability

   We work hard to keep costs low so that finances don’t get in the way.

4. 100% Positive Reinforcement

   We are committed to humane training methods, especially for assistance dogs. Prioritizing patience, compassion, and understanding means happier and healthier working dogs.

5. Long-Term Partnership

   We want your dog to succeed and are committed to helping you along the way, including annual recertifications at no charge.