Our EIN ("Tax ID number") is 510593176. PawPADs is a 501(c)(3)charitable organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

Preference is given to those living within 250 miles of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, although we will consider others on a case-by-case basis.

Our primary focus is on training service dogs for people with physical mobility disabilities. Our dogs can also be trained as Diabetic Alert dogs (trained for detecting changes in blood sugar levels), Home Help-mate dogs (these have been trained in the same skills as Service Dogs, but are NOT granted public access qualifications due to not meeting our high standards of performance. The dogs assist their partners with every day, in-home tasks, such as opening doors, loading the clothes dryer, retrieving items off the floor), and Facility/Animal Assisted Therapy dogs on a case-by-case basis. .

Not at this time. Our dogs are socialized and work with children in the Autism spectrum, but currently we are not placing them.

Through our Paw Corps program, Veterans suffering PTSD train service dogs for their fellow soldiers who have returned with a physical disability. These veterans have the opportunity to focus on positive interactions, controlling frustrations, re-learning patience, emotional regulation and joy as they train service dogs for their fellow veterans who are now facing life with the challenges of new physical disabilities. PawPADs Service Dogs placed with disabled veterans through our Paw Corps program are placed without cost to the veteran.

Not at this time. PawPADs only trains and places service dogs that belong to our program. There are other Assistance Dogs International accredited organizations that will train your own companion animal for you. We suggest you consider one of these programs in order to ensure you receive the best possible training and care for your dog; training which meets the highest standards.

Remember: no dog has access rights - only people have access rights.

In most countries and states only 3 groups of people are legally allowed to take trained dogs into public facilities or on public transportation:

• 1. People with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs
• 2. Professional trainers of assistance dogs for people with disabilities
• 3. Civil service providers on the job, such as police, fire and customs inspectors.

No one in these three groups is legally allowed to take their "pet" or "pet therapy" dogs out in public.

Thanks for thinking of PawPADs! The first step is to attend one of our PawPADs information sessions held on the third Monday of each month from 6-8 pm at the PawPADs Training Center (8239 150th St. W., Savage).

• You’ll get an overall view of what we do,
• What service dogs and our dogs in particular are all about,
• What kinds of programs we use to train dogs,
• You’ll meet some of our dogs and get a tour of our Training Facility.
• We can get a feel for what volunteer opportunities would be best for your expectations and PawPADs’ needs.

RSVP by email is REQUIRED at Volunteers@PawPADs.org

If, after the PawPADs information session, PawPADs seems to be a good fit, we require everyone to attend "PawPADs 101" which is a 4 hour training currently held on the 4th Saturday of every month from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. You'll learn most everything you'll need to get a good start at being part of the PawPADs Team!

We primarily work with Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, along with other appropriate breeds.

Our dogs come to us as puppies from a variety of places: Rescue shelters, Breed specific rescue organizations, families kennels, and carefully screened professional kennels. Our goal is to train one rescue dog for every dog bred for our programs!

Our first goal for any of our dogs that aren't suited as a service dog is to find a job they CAN do! There's a job for every dog that trots out our doors...even if it is simply to be the best partner and family companion you've ever had. Check out our "Recycle ~ Repurpose ~ Reuse ~ Keep on Loving" page at this link to see the dogs we've released from the program. Maybe there's a life-long companion waiting there for you!

Most of our dogs are approximately a year and a half of age when they are placed with a recipient.

It takes about a year and a half to two years to train an assistance dog. The variation in time results from the dog's individual differences and abilities. Following the dog's training, there is a two week client placement training and specialized training as needed.

Start by simply requesting an application at Apply for a PawPADs Dog

After we receive your completed application, our staff will review it. If you meet the criteria and we feel that you may benefit from one of our service dogs, an in-home interview will be arranged so that we may meet with you in person to get a better sense of your needs, abilities and living situation. If accepted as a client, you will be placed on the waiting list for the next suitable dog. If for any reason and at any time during the application process we determine we cannot provide an assistance dog to meet your needs or have concerns about the safety of yourself or a dog in a partnership, we will inform you immediately and the application process will be discontinued. These decisions will not be made lightly and as such will be final.

It is no small endeavor to produce a well-trained assistance dog. It costs between $20,000 - $25,000 to train and place each single service dog. Despite this expense, the life-changing benefits these dogs provide make them a valuable, in fact, invaluable resource to many seeking increased independence. We recognize that many people, though not all, living with disabilities often face financial restraints. While we cannot completely remove the costs, we are able to offset them through our training programs and various other means. Many friends, family members, employers, schools, churches or civic groups will often help to fundraise these amounts to cover your contribution for your dog. Assistance dogs win not only the hearts of their partners, but also the community!

- Application Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
- Placement Contribution: $3,500
- Partner Training Camp: All lunches, one movie, one dinner and lodging.

After Graduation:
On average, it costs approximately $1000 - $1,500 per year to care for your Service Dog
- Dog Food: Approximately $50 per month
- Regular Veterinary Care: monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative (in Minnesota: 8 months a year); yearly immunizations. Your vet may offer a discount for a Service Dog. We estimate the cost of vet care to be approximately $500/year for well dog maintenance.
- Replacement equipment: including, but not limited to, packs, leashes, collars and bowls. PawPADs can provide most of these items to you at cost. Budget: $50/year.
- Toys and treats: approximately $150/year.

It costs $20-25,000 to raise and train an assistance dog, so we ask each client to help in the process by contributing $3,500 towards this cost. However, we do not intend to deny you an assistance dog due simply to your lack of ability to pay. Again, many friends, family members, employers, schools, churches or civic groups will often help to raise these amounts to cover your contribution for your dog. We can provide advice and time-tested ideas for fund-raising that really work!

Because each dog is unique and trains differently than the next, it is difficult to predict with certainty the readiness of each dog for placement. Our goal is to have the dogs ready for placement between 18-24 months of age. Although we keep account of the order we receive applications, we place dogs based on the "best match" between dog and client so placements will not necessarily be done on a first come basis. Teams will be formed based on social/personality style matching to create the strongest bond possible and maximum opportunity for a long and successful partnership.

Currently, Diabetic Alert Dogs are placed as the ONLY dog in the home. Other placements are considered on an case-by-case basis such as clients who have other pets (dogs, cats, birds, etc.)at home.