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Selecting and Pairing a mobility Dog

Introduction

Selecting a candidate for mobility dog work in involves many aspects, from the dog’s health and temperament, to size. Additionally, of course, they need to be a good match with the person the dog will be assisting. This page will offer suggestions about traits that make a good mobility dog, and other information to consider when selecting a dog for a particular partnership.

For organizations that train and place mobility assistance dogs, pairing a client with an appropriate dog involves thorough guidelines to ensure successful matches. Guidelines for service dog providers should include recommendations for home visits and interviews with family members to assess support levels and financial capabilities for the dog’s care. Additionally, considerations such as the presence of small children, post-placement obligations like remedial training and veterinary record submissions, and ongoing follow-up requirements are crucial for the well-being of both the recipient and the service dog

Guidelines for service dog providers should include:

  • Review of applicant’s disability needs and their expectations
  • A visit to the applicant’s house
  • Interviewing family members to ensure that there is appropriate family support 
  • Does the applicant have financial means to care for the dog’s health and wellness
  • If there are young children in the home, is education provided for the applicant and the children to prevent inappropriate behavior
  • If there pets in the home, evaluate any necessary education or to keep the service dog safe and healthy

Post-placement obligations for the recipients

  • Maintaining dog’s training
  • Remedial training or new task training as needed
  • Follow up home visits
  • Veterinary records to be submitted to the program, if applicable
  • Annual contact to be made or public access testing for maintaining certification, if applicable
  • Are specific training objectives that were identified during the application and training phases being met post placement
  • Retirement considerations etc.