Sign Up TODAY for our FREE Newsletter for UK Residents  Sign me up >

FTC Disclosure

If you make a purchase via a link on this site, Disability Grants may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you!





Assistance Dogs
for the Disabled




Assistance dogs are trained to help disabled people manage everyday tasks, making their lives easier.

Not only are they life changers, they are lifesavers.

Assistance Dogs UK work with assistance dog charities, each with the aim to improve disabled people’s lives and encourage independence.

The charities mainly work on key areas such as blindness, deafness, mental health and those with mobility issues.


While assistance dogs are on the job, it’s crucial that you understand how to behave around them; the smallest of distractions could impair their ability to look after their handler.


How much do you know about assistance dogs?

Here's a snapshot of just some of the amazing work they do.....

  • Hearing dogs can distinguish the difference between smoke alarms, door bells, alarm clocks and people shouting their owner’s name.
  • Guide dogs are trained to judge spatial awareness so their owner doesn’t bump into objects.
  • Autism assistance dogs can help children to be more engaged and independent.
  • Medical detection dogs have special sniffing abilities; they can even detect one teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic-size swimming pools.

Any dog, big or small, can be trained to assist a disabled person.

Take a look at the infographic below to find out more about how to act around assistance dogs:



The full infographic on assistance dogs can be found on the Co-op Insurance hub.


Do you have an Assistance Dog for the Disabled?

If so, what difference has it made to your life?  What can you do now that you couldn't do before?

Obtaining an assistance dog usually involves a long application process as the charities need to be sure that they match the right dog to the person they are helping.  

How was the application process for you?  

Help others by sharing your tips and experiences.  And....let us know your stories about life with an assistance dog and the difference it has made to your life.


What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

HERMAN 
Herman came to live with me 1 year 2 months and 1 week ago. I cannot believe how quick the time has gone! He has enabled me in my independence …

A1: Debate: Training Assistance Dogs Not rated yet
I have made enquiries about getting a service dog but the waiting lists are ridiculous and rules such as having no other pets in the house create limitations. …

Chase Not rated yet
I have a 10 week old lab his name is Chase (I let my 3 year old pick his name) his colouring is grey. ANSWER: Chase looks a real sweetie. Have fun …

Remus Not rated yet
Remus comes to work with me everyday and offers companionship and support for the people I work with that are living with a disability. He provides …

CHARLIE  Not rated yet
Since I have had Charlie my depression has not been so bad. I feel somewhat calmer and feel less anxious and agitated about going out of my home. …

Winston Not rated yet
I am a disabled military veteran, with severe military PTSD. I was a military weapon/bomb dog handler. Then something freak took away my ability to …

A: Our Assistance Dogs Not rated yet
Pay a tribute to your assistance dog and let us know how your dog has made a difference to your life.

Willow aka @LOVEHEARTPUPPYWILLOW  Not rated yet
Willow is an English Springer Spaniel who is training to be an Assistance dog for her handler and owner Laura. Willow came to live with Laura …

Girl’s Best Friend - Otis my Hearing Dog  Not rated yet
I applied to Hearing Dogs UK when I was 16 years old. The application and the process took a long time but I was matched with Otis my handsome black …

Leo - the Lab! Not rated yet
I've applied for an assistance dog, but given the waiting time. It could be a 2 year wait. We had a beautiful cocker spaniel for almost 19 years, …

Alfie Alexander Not rated yet
My son/friend/companion and dog Alfie (a St. Bernard) assists me in many ways with comfort with my depression and high blood pressure. He also assists …









Copyright © 2010-2024 Disability Grants Ltd 

Company number: 8937008

VAT Number 207954787