Canine Assisted Intervention (CAI) Dogs in Ontario are uniquely paired with treatment professionals across diverse disciplines, forming dynamic partnerships in therapeutic settings. These specially trained dogs play a pivotal role in various health and wellness programs, significantly enhancing the efficacy of treatment plans.

The scope of CAI Dogs in therapy is broad and adaptable, encompassing mental health, addiction recovery, literacy programs, physical therapy, and more. Their involvement ranges from providing emotional support in mental health treatments to aiding in physical rehabilitation exercises, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in different therapeutic contexts.

Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs (K4PSD) is committed to collaborating closely with treatment providers to maximize the benefits offered by CAI Dogs. This collaboration ensures that the unique abilities of each dog are aligned with the specific needs of the treatment program, thereby optimizing therapeutic outcomes. The presence of CAI Dogs in therapy sessions not only aids in achieving treatment goals but also adds a layer of comfort and engagement for participants.

The integration of CAI Dogs into therapeutic settings is an innovative approach to treatment. These dogs not only contribute significantly to the physical and emotional well-being of individuals but also foster a more holistic and interactive therapeutic environment. As K4PSD continues to develop partnerships and integrate CAI Dogs into various treatment plans, the potential for positive impact in communities across Ontario is immense.

CAI Dogs can provide multiple impacts to patients, aiding in physical, social, and emotional healing through motivation and the improvement of overall well-being.

For example they can benefit:

• People undergoing physiotherapy by motivating their functional outcome goals.
• Stroke patients with social interactions and language therapy.
• Trauma victims undergoing therapy by enhancing their feelings of safety and well-being.
• Caregivers by reducing their stress levels.

Research studies indicate that including CAI Dogs in therapy process provided patients with the ability to open up, speak out and participate in ways they were not able to when the dog was not present. CAI Dogs elicit positive social responses when other approaches often fail, and mediate interactions in awkward and uncomfortable therapeutic settings.

K4PSD’s CAI Dogs are valued at over $15,000. We expect them to have an eight to ten year working life. However, each dog is provided free of charge to approved caregivers.

K4PSD receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations from the general public, corporate sponsors, fundraising events, and community supporters.

Our clients are expected to assist in our fundraising efforts. For a CAI dog, the targets are at typically $15,000, however the amount raised is not tied to when they will receive their dog. Many of them participate by asking for donations from friends and family, by organizing their own fundraisers and also by helping promote many K4PSD organized community fundraisers. Individuals who do not show significant effort may risk losing their acceptance status.

The actual direct cost of the trained dog to the individual is an application fee of $75 and the cost of travel to training sessions in the Kingston area. All food and veterinary costs are borne by the recipient once the dog has been placed with the individual.

K4PSD has been steadily increasing the number of puppies in the program to keep up with demand. Our target it to continuously have 15-20 dogs in training across all of our programs. Currently, our wait time to be matched with a Canine Assistance Dog is about 18 to 24 months from the time of approval.

The timing of a trained service dog placement is determined by chronological position on the waiting list and the availability of the right dog for the assistance needs and situation, and is in no way tied to fundraising efforts.

To help ensure the success of each placement, we have designed an intensive application process to assist with the matching of our dogs to the required tasks. Each applicant is screened to ensure they meet our application criteria (located in Southeastern Ontario and are a recognized treatment professional). An application can be completed on-line and sent to us. If our criteria is met, a K4PSD trainer conducts at-work and at-home interviews with a K4PSD dog to meet the professional, to learn more about the dog will benefit the treatment process, and discuss further questions and concerns. Final acceptance is determined following the interviews. Individuals may be disqualified at any time during the application process and should recognize that the dog who visits will not necessarily be the dog that will be placed with them.

K4PSD is currently accepting applications from caregiver professionals or facilities in Southeastern Ontario. Some restrictions may apply.

Our service area includes only the counties of Prescott and Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Lanark, Renfrew, Leeds and Grenville, Hastings, Prince Edward, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington; and the municipality of Ottawa.

If the applicant meets the above criteria, please complete our online application form and a staff member will be in contact within one week.

(Click the “Online Application” link below to access the application. Please read the instructions before you start. Please do not try to print the form or send it by regular mail. Only forms received online will be considered. For assistance regarding applications please write us at info@k4paws.ca)