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Taking Strides for Independence


At CFS, our dogs change lives. We offer specialized programs that cater to the physical needs of people with disabilities.  

Foster Training – volunteers raise a service dog in their home for 24 months while undergoing a service dog program.
Canines for Service - providing people with physical disabilities specially trained service dogs.
Canines For Veterans –a national program that teaches military prisoners to train service dogs for wounded veterans.

Points to Consider.

The ADA defines a service dog as one individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability There are many organizations that train service dogs, but the standards are not the same.
When evaluating an organization consider the following:
  • How long has the organization or person been training service dogs?
  • How old are the dogs when provided to a client?
  • How have the dogs temperaments and health been evaluated?
  • Are the dogs hips assessed by x-ray?
  • Can the dog handle the public settings or is it timid or fearful? 
  • Is a contract provided with defined deliverables?
  • When training is done with a client is it provided in a group or individually?
  • Is follow-up training provided?
  • Who owns the dog after it is placed with a client?
  • Is there liability insurance coverage?  
Working dogs are highly skilled with many hours of training to help a person as a guide, hearing or service dog While a Service Dog can benefit many people with disabilities, not everyone can use a Service Dog.  Each individual’s disability must be evaluated as to whether a Service Dog is appropriate for the individual.
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[email protected]                                866-910-3647                         Canines for Service, PO Box 12643, Wilmington, NC 28405                              Content copyright 2010 - 2011. Canines for Service. All rights reserved.       

Registered 501c3 tax exempt organization. 56-2118747
Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the NC Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section at 888-830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State.