facility dogs

Canine Partners of the Rockies Facility Dogs are specially trained to work in tandem with a professional who works within a visitation, education or healthcare setting. Facility dogs are trained to do specific, skilled tasks in a variety of different situations within a facility environment with multiple clients. Their trained skills can be utilized to:

• Provide comfort
• Assist in social interactions
• Motivate towards responsibility
• Promote participation
• Enhance therapies
• Provide anxiety relief

Types of locations Facility Dogs work in are:

• Schools
• Counseling Offices
• Hospitals
• Courthouses

expectations

Canine Partners supports its Colorado-based facility dog partnerships throughout the lifetime of the dog to ensure continued success. The following list of expectations we find is foundational for this success and must be well understood before an individual begins the process of applying for a facility dog.

• Demonstrate that the clients and/or students you work with will benefit from a facility dog.
• Commit to major lifestyle changes necessary for partnering with a facility dog, including the time to properly bond.
• Establish and maintain capability to manage an 50-100 lb. facility dog.
• Establish and maintain the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with facility dog.
• Establish and maintain a support system of family, friends and/or peers to help you with your facility dog daily (if needed) including during emergency situations.​

• Financial means and ability to provide for a facility dog’s care, including daily exercise, feeding, grooming, veterinary needs and emergency situations.
• Safe and adequate space for daily exercise and elimination required by a facility dog.
• A clean, organized and safe home environment. · Clear understanding that co-workers and household members will respect the overall purpose of the facility dog partnership and honor all commands given to the facility dog by its partner.

Requirements

All applicants must:

• Live in Colorado and commit to living in Colorado for at least 3 years after partnering with facility dog.
• Have the ability to attend a two-week training with a new facility dog at Canine Partners’ facility in Aurora and public spaces nearby.
• Stay engaged with Canine Partners following partnership with facility dog, including periodic reporting and testing with your facility dog

All applicants have the right to be considered for a facility dog without regard to race, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, life expectancy and any other category protected by federal law, Colorado state or local laws. Canine Partners of the Rockies has the right to terminate the application process and/or deny an application at any time.

Click here for pre-application