Assistance Dogs

Applications to join the waiting list for our Assistance Dog Programme will open 9 am - 9 pm on Monday, 23 March 2026

Since launching Europe’s first dedicated Assistance Dog Programme for children with autism in 2005, we have set the benchmark for excellence in training standards, dog welfare, and ongoing family support. As a result of our proven impact and reputation we are proud to be Ireland’s largest and most successful Assistance Dog Programme for children with autism. Places on our programme are in consistently high demand.

Applications

Applications to the waiting list for our Assistance Dog Programme will open from 9 am to 9 pm on Monday 23 March. Applications will only be accepted via the form which will appear on this page.

In advance, we would strongly advise you to read our Frequently Asked Questions and consider attending our online information sessions (details below).

These sessions will take place on March 12th, March 18th and March 20th. Click the links below to log in to your preferred date.

What does an Assistance Dog do?

We provide professionally trained assistance dogs that bring safety, independence, and confidence to children with autism and their families.

The primary functions of our Assistance Dogs are:

1. to “anchor” a child to stop them from bolting in public;

2. to stop safely at road crossings; and

3. to aid transitioning by keeping the partnership moving.

Below is a list of criteria to be eligible to or an Assistance Dog.   

Criteria 

The application criteria this year are: 

1. Your child must be aged between 4–7 years of age at time of application – children born between 25/03/2018 and 24/03/2022 are eligible. 

2. A full Assessment of Need (AON) report showing a diagnosis of autism must be included with the application. 

3. The AON report must recommend that your child should attend an ASD Unit or specialised school. (Note: your child does not have to be attending an ASU Unit or specialised school, but the report does have to recommend it.) 

4. A commitment that one parent/guardian will be at home with the dog for most of the time and not leave the Assistance Dog on its own for more than 2-3 hours per day - in other words, both parents cannot work full-time. 

5. A fully enclosed garden that is safe for a dog to toilet and play in each day. 

6. A safe place inside for your dog to sleep.

A welcome awaits

We have created a video to help a family prepare their child for a visit to the Training Centre by showing them what to expect on the day and not to feel daunted by the prospect.