How can I obtain a dog?
I need an Assistance Dog but I can't afford $6,000
Can I tour the NEADS training facility?
How can I help?
Is there an age requirement?
How long does it take to obtain a dog?
How long os the training program?
Does NEADS own the Assistance Dogs it trains?
Q: How can I obtain a dog?
A: Individuals seeking to obtain an assistance dog should fill
out and submit an application to NEADS. Further description of each
kind of dog may be found under its title; i.e. service, hearing,
social dog. These applications may be filed out on-line and submitted
electronically or downloaded and sent by mail when completed along
with a $25 fee.
Q: I need an Assistance Dog but I can't afford
$6,000. Does that mean I can't have a dog?
A: It costs NEADS more than $6,000 to raise and train an assistance
dog, so we ask each client to help in the fund raising of $6,000.
However, no one is denied a dog based on lack of funding.
Q: Can I tour the NEADS training facility?
A: We are happy to provide tours of our facility, featuring a presentation
by one of our assistance dog teams. Please fill out the tour
request form to book a date for your group, or call 978 422-9064
.
Q: How can I help?
A:
- make a donation of cash, stock or property.
- Volunteer your time.
- Sponsor a dog.
- Get your employer to match your gift.
- Give in your workplace fund drive.
- Come to our graduation.
- Become an out-of state representative.
- Become a corporate sponsor
- Spread the word……..
Q: Is there an age requirement?
A:Individuals applying for their own dog must be 12 or older. Individuals
under the age of 12, must have a sponsor(i.e. parent) submit the
application and name an individual that will share in the care of
the dog.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a dog?
A: We match the personality and skill of the dog to the personality
and need of his human partner, so we cannot provide a dog immediately.
It generally takes a year (and sometimes up to two) to find and
train the right dog for an applicant.
Q: How long is the training program?
A: It takes three to six months to train an assistance dog. The
variation in time results from the dog’s individual differences
and abilities. Following the dog’s training, our clients train
with the dog matched with them for two weeks on NEADS’ campus.
This important time bonds them together and allows them to graduate
from the program working as a team.
Q: Does NEADS own the Assistance Dogs
it trains?
A: The person who graduates from our program becomes the dog’s
owner. NEADS does not retain any ownership interest.
|