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
Supports you inside and outside your home, with public access rights. From everyday tasks to navigating the world with confidence, they provide practical help wherever life takes you.
Canine Home Assistant
Provides vital support within your home. From calling for help in an emergency to unloading the washing machine and helping you dress, they’re there for practical, daily assistance.
Canine Companion
Offers steady companionship at home. While not trained for physical tasks, they provide essential emotional support, helping reduce loneliness and isolation in your everyday life.
Check your eligibility
We support adults with physical disabilities. You can apply if:
- You’re aged 18 or over
- You have a physical disability that affects your daily life and independence
- You’re able to care for, house and work with a dog using reward-based training
Every match 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.
The application process
The first stage of the process involves completing an online application form.
If your application progresses, you may be invited to further assessment. This helps us understand your needs in more detail and explore whether an assistance dog could work safely and successfully.
Matching a person with the right dog takes time. We carefully consider both your needs and the wellbeing of each dog throughout the process.
What happens next
If you’re successfully matched with a dog, you’ll take part in partnership training and receive ongoing support from our team.
Our goal is to build a partnership that supports your independence while ensuring the dog thrives physically, mentally and emotionally throughout their life.