Apply for an assistance dog
Applications open at specific times across the UK due to demand. Explore our canine careers so you know which dog to apply for.
Our assistance dogs
We offer three types of support for adults with a range of physical disabilities. Each canine career has its own eligibility criteria and information pack to help you prepare before applications open.
Canine Partner
Trained to provide practical support both inside and outside the home, helping people with physical disabilities live more independently.
Canine Home Assistant
Trained to offer practical task support within the home for people who don’t need a dog to accompany them in public places.
Canine Companion
Placed in a home with an adult or child with a physical disability where companionship and emotional support are beneficial, without the need for physical task assistance.
Check your eligibility
We support adults with physical disabilities. You can apply if:
- You’re aged 18 or over, and live permanently in the UK.
- You have a physical disability that affects your daily life and independence and would be supported by an assistance dog to help with practical daily tasks.
- You’re able to care for, house, and work with a dog using reward-based training.
Each of our canine careers has additional eligibility criteria. For more information please use the button below to contact us and we will send out an information pack.
Every application is considered carefully. We look at your circumstances and make sure a dog’s health, wellbeing and training needs can be properly met.
Who we’re not able to support
Because our assistance dogs are trained specifically to provide practical support for physical disabilities, we’re not able to provide assistance dogs to:
- People under the age of 18.
- People whose primary reason for applying relates to epilepsy, autism, dementia, or mental health conditions.
If you’re not eligible for a Canine Partner assistance dog, you can visit the Assistance Dogs UK website to explore other charities that may be able to support you.
Application windows and availability
Due to high demand, applications open and close throughout the year, and may be limited by location.
Details of each assistance dog application window are published in advance, along with clear guidance about what you’ll need to provide. If applications are currently closed, have a look at the specific canine career pages and register for updates via our e-newsletter to be notified when the next application window opens.