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Yuri Michales
When families hear about our Autism Assistance Dog Programme, one of the first questions is often, "Why isn’t it free?" It’s a fair question. As a charity, people might assume there’s no cost involved. The reality is, creating and maintaining these life-changing partnerships takes a lot of time, care, and resources.
Here’s a closer look at what goes into creating these life-changing partnerships and why your contribution matters.
An assistance dog doesn’t just appear ready to work—it takes months of specialised training and ongoing care. But this isn’t just about teaching a dog skills. It’s about building a partnership that truly supports the handler and their family.
Your contribution directly supports the programme’s sustainability and helps us continue offering this life-changing service to families like yours.
These dogs are trained to do so much more than follow basic commands. They’re taught specific skills to meet the unique needs of autistic individuals, from providing emotional grounding during sensory overload to interrupting harmful behaviours. This level of preparation requires patience, expertise, and countless hours of work.
Families don’t just receive a dog—they get ongoing guidance to ensure the bond is strong and the transition is smooth. Our team provides tailored psychotherapy support, helping families:
This isn’t a “one-and-done” service. It’s a vital part of the programme that helps families feel capable and supported for the long term.
Healthy, happy dogs are the foundation of everything we do. That’s why we ensure every dog receives top-notch care—regular vet checkups, vaccinations, grooming, and nutritious food. Their well-being is non-negotiable.
When a dog joins a family, it’s a team effort. We spend hours helping families bond with their new companion and learn how to work together. This hands-on training is personalised, ensuring every family feels ready for the road ahead.
Our support doesn’t stop once the dog is placed. Regular check-ins, advice, and problem-solving sessions help families maintain a successful partnership. Whether it’s tackling a minor hiccup or offering encouragement, we’re here every step of the way.
Every family’s journey is unique, but they all share one thing: the transformative impact of an assistance dog.
Families often comment on how seamless the process feels. One parent said:
"The staff made it easy to understand what to expect. They answered every question and never made us feel rushed. The Facebook group was such a comfort—it’s amazing to connect with others going through the same process."
Our team’s commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. A parent shared:
"It’s not just about the dog—they focus on making sure the family feels confident, too. From training sessions to follow-ups, we’ve always felt supported."
Another family highlighted the personal touch:
"We had so many questions after our dog arrived. Knowing we could pick up the phone and get help whenever we needed it was such a relief."
The bond between a dog and their handler is hard to describe. One handler said:
"Before I got my dog, I avoided going out in public. Now, I feel safer and more confident. He’s not just my helper—he’s my best friend."
Another parent shared:
"Our son and his dog are inseparable. They’ve brought a sense of peace to our home that we never thought was possible."
The full cost of training and caring for an assistance dog exceeds £23,000. Through our fundraising efforts and generous donations, we’re able to cover £8,000 of that amount, reducing the cost for families to £14,990 per Programme.
We understand that £14,990 is still significant amount for some, which is why we offer comprehensive support and resources to help families who need assistance with fundraising.
Raising £14,990 might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. That’s why we’re here to support you with advice and tools to help you fundraise if needed. Whether it’s setting up an online campaign or reaching out to local organisations, we’ll guide you through the process.
One important reminder: please wait until you’re accepted into the programme before starting to fundraise. This ensures everything is ready to go before you reach out for support.
We’re proud to meet the highest standards in the field:
These credentials mean you can trust our programme to deliver exceptional training, care, and support.
An assistance dog does so much more than help with daily tasks. They bring comfort, independence, and security in ways that can transform a family’s life. With ongoing support, these partnerships remain strong for years to come.
Ready to learn more? Explore our Programme or reach out with your questions at info@autismdogs.co.uk.
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