Our Client Application is currently closed
*Click here to see if we serve your specific area.
Thank you for your interest in receiving a PAWS Assistance Dog! In an effort to better meet the needs of our future and current clients, PAWS has an annual open application request period for all first-time applicants from January to March. During this time, you will be able to fill out our Client Application Request Form for a non-refundable $25 fee that covers the cost of processing applications. This form is not a full Assistance Dog Application.
After filling out this form, our Client Services team will review your request to ensure that you meet our baseline client qualifications. If your application request is accepted, you will receive the full application via email. If PAWS is not able to meet your needs, you will be notified, and our team will share other Assistance Dog programs that may be able to help.
PAWS provides Service Dogs to help with physical disabilities, Hearing Dogs to alert to common sounds, Seizure Response Dogs to aid during or after seizures, or Service Dogs for Children with Autism. Please check our website for the qualifications to receive each type of Assistance Dog and for additional program requirements. At this time, PAWS does not train Psychiatric Service Dogs to assist with PTSD, anxiety, or depression, or Diabetic Alert Dogs.
Our 2025 Open Enrollment period ended on March 2, 2025. Please note that due to the abundance of applications in 2024, PAWS is not able to accept applications for Service Dogs for Children with Autism in 2025. In addition to this, Service Dog applications will be open but limited to individuals who use a manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or power scooter full-time.
If you currently have or have had a PAWS Assistance Dog and are in need of a Successor Dog, please contact PAWS directly by calling 616-877-7297 or emailing us at csdirect@pawswithacause.org.
Please be aware that in order for PAWS to place an Assistance Dog with you, we must have a local Field Representative in your area, and that coverage is subject to change at any time. Please click here before completing the application to ensure that we serve your specific area.