Daily tasks considered simple by many present barriers to independence by those who experience mobility-limiting challenges. Picture what dropping a phone might mean to someone in a wheelchair, or opening a door and turning on the lights for those with limited use of their arms and hands. The role of a mobility service dog is to open up a world of possibilities that had not existed before, providing independence and companionship that is transformative. Canine Partners of the Rockies Mobility Service Dogs are specifically bred to be Service Dogs. We work with each of our clients to identify their lifestyle and unique needs to best utilize the commands our mobility service dogs are trained to do. Some of the tasks Canine Partners Mobility Service Dogs can do are:
Though many of our mobility service dog clients may exhibit more than one medical condition to some degree, Canine Partners does not train mobility service dogs to support the following:
PTSD
Psychiatric disorders (including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder)
Hearing loss
Visual impairment
Autism
Disabilities requiring medical alert (including but not limited to seizures, diabetes, allergy, heart/blood pressure)
Disabilities requiring balance and support
Canine Partners also does not train emotional support dogs or personal dogs to become Mobility Service Dogs.
expectations
Canine Partners supports its Colorado-based mobility service 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 mobility service dog.
Demonstrate that you would benefit from a mobility service dog and increase your level of independence.
Commit to major lifestyle changes necessary for partnering with a mobility service dog, including the time to properly bond.
Establish and maintain capability to manage an 50-100 lb. mobility service dog.
Establish and maintain the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a mobility service dog.
Establish and maintain a support system of family, friends and/or peers to help you with a mobility service dog daily (if needed), including during emergency situations.
Willingness to be continuously accompanied by a mobility service dog throughout daily activities at home and out in public.
Financial means and ability to provide for a mobility service 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 mobility service dog.
A clean, organized and safe home environment.
Clear understanding that household members will respect the overall purpose of a mobility service dog partnership and honor all commands given to a mobility service 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 a mobility service dog.
Be at least 14 years of age and demonstrate the responsibility necessary to independently handle and maintain obedience of a mobility Service Dog. Please be aware that we do not accept applications for individuals under the age of 14.
Have the ability to attend a two-week training with a new mobility service dog at Canine Partners’ facility in Aurora and public spaces nearby.
Stay engaged with Canine Partners following partnership with a mobility service dog, including periodic reporting and testing with your mobility service dog.
Not own or live with a dog under the age of 1 year old. Canine Partners reserves the right to accept or decline applicants based on the number of pets owned or living in the household.
All applicants have the right to be considered for a mobility service 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.
Aurora, Colorado
(303) 364-9040
