Who we help

David and TessieIf you are interested in applying for one of our dogs please click here.

Our assistance dogs are trained to meet the needs of individuals with even the most complex physical disabilities. We currently help adults aged 18 and over (both civilians and former service personnel) who have a physical disability or condition that affects their daily life and limits their independence.

Some of the disabilities and conditions we work with are:

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Spinal injuries and head injuries
  • Stroke
  • Osteoarthritis and scoliosis
  • Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Friedrich’s ataxia
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Spina bifida
  • Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones)

We are working in partnership with Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion and other services organisations to provide assistance dogs for veterans and those wounded in service.

People who are not eligible to apply

Canine Partners’ primary focus is to help adults with physical disabilities. This means that sadly we do not provide assistance dogs to:

  • People under the age of 18
  • Those whose sole reason for applying relates to epilepsy, autism, dementia or mental health issues

For more information about other assistance dog charities that may be able to help people with these disabilities, please visit our assistance dog charities information page.

Some of our amazing partnerships

There are hundreds of disabled people across the UK partnered with our dogs, each with a different story to tell about how their lives have been enhanced by our amazing canine partners.

From our blog…

Meet Wren and Darcey

My name is Wren and I’m partnered with seven-year-old Golden Retriever, Darcey – I’m 31 years old and I live in Hampshire. Since I was a child, I’ve struggled with health problems, but I didn’t become disabled until later in life. In 2012, I had a bout of glandular fever. Following on from that I … read more

Posted 4 months ago in the Our partnerships category

From our blog…

Stephen’s story

Stephen Brookes, 44   In 2008, my world changed dramatically when a motorbike accident left me with a life-changing spinal cord injury. I am paralysed from the shoulders down, which means that I need to use a wheelchair full-time and require 24-hour care.   I had served in the Royal Navy for 15 years, a life that … read more

Posted 5 months ago in the Our partnerships category

From our blog…

Meet James and Spud

James, 81, was partnered with canine partner Spud in June 2018. This is his story.  My name is James and I have Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy. My disability affects my limbs, with no movement below the ankle and very limited dexterity in my hands. I get very tired and suffer with pain in my joints.  … read more

Posted 5 months ago in the Our partnerships category

See more from our blog