In-Home Assistance Dogs
Circle Tail adopts dogs who are trained to assist people with disabilities in their homes. These dogs differ from true "Assistance Dogs" in that they DO NOT have access to public places.
In-home assistance dogs can provide invaluable and potentially life-saving help to people who need assistance in their home and who may not be ready or interested in having a dog accompany them in public. In-home assistance dogs receive the same type of training as assistance dogs trained to help people in public. But, in-home assistance dogs may have a minor behavior issue, such as too much interest in cats and critters or a fear of shiny floors, that makes them inappropriate to work in public.
Circle Tail in-home assistance dogs can provide the following types of assistance:
These dogs may retrieve objects that are out of reach, pull wheelchairs, open and close doors, turn light switches off and on and assist persons with balance disorders by providing limited balance.
Seizure Response
These dogs are trained to work with an individual who has Epilepsy or other seizure disorders. The dog is trained to perform a task or tasks which benefit the recipient by responding appropriately to seizure episodes in the home. Psychiatric Assistance These dogs are trained to perform disability-related tasks which empower their disabled partners by increasing their safety, mobility and independence in their home.
Hearing Dogs assist deaf and hard of hearing individuals by alerting them to a variety of household sounds such as a door knock or doorbell, alarm clock, oven buzzer, telephone, baby cry, name call or smoke alarm. Dogs are trained to make physical contact and lead their deaf or hard of hearing partners to the source of the sounds.
Age Policy
For an in-home assistance dog to be able to effectively help a child, the child must be able to give clear commands and maintain control of their dog. We don't have a minimum age requirement, but adoption of an in-home assistance dog to help a child will be based on the child's needs and maturity.
Questions to Consider
While adoption of an in-home assistance dog is not as involved as partnership with an assistance dog, there are important questions that should be considered.
- Are you prepared to work with a dog to perform skills and reinforce behaviors on a daily basis?
- Are there any other dogs living in your home? Please note, we generally do not adopt in-home assistance dogs in homes with young or adult dogs. Exceptions may be made for homes with senior dogs.
- Will an in-home assistance dog increase your independence and be able to assist you with everyday tasks?
- Are you able to financially provide for all care and supplies (including high-quality food) required for your canine partner? Costs can range from $500 to $1000 or more annually depending on the size and needs of the dog. You must plan in advance how you will afford it.
- How will you provide DAILY exercise (at least one hour per day) for your dog? Please consider your living arrangements, physical condition, and family/friend support.
To apply for an in-home assistance dog, please email info@circletail.org or call 513-877-3325 to request an application.
