Welcome to the First Step of Your Journey

If you’d like to join either our Assistance Dog Program or our Therapy Dog Program, the very first step is completing our Introduction Course.

This course gives everyone the same foundation of knowledge, helps you understand how our programs work, and gives us the chance to make sure we’re the right organisation to support you and your dog.

✨ Important to know: Completing the Introduction Course does not automatically mean you’ll join the Assistance Dog or Therapy Dog Program. We place a strong focus on compatibility — making sure that your needs, your dog’s suitability, and our approach are the right match for each other.

Before You Book

Before signing up for the Introduction Course, please take some time to read the detailed information pages about the program you are interested in joining:

Assistance Dog Program

Therapy Dog Program

This will give you a clear understanding of what each program involves and help you decide which pathway is right for you and your dog.

Who Can Apply? (General Eligibility)

Our programs are open to a wide range of people and professionals, but there are some exclusions for fairness and safeguarding.

• You cannot apply if you work or volunteer for a dog or animal training organisation.

• You must be able to independently meet the health, welfare, and financial needs of your dog.

A) Assistance Dog Program Eligibility

(for people wanting to train their own dog to support their disability-related needs at home and in public, including places where dogs are not usually permitted)

Age & Household

Applicants must be aged 0–60 years old at the point of application.

Disability Criteria

You must have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010:

“A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”

This definition is a legal requirement for anyone with an assistance dog in the UK.

Task-Based Need

Your dog must be needed to perform at least three (3) assistive tasks in public spaces, helping to reduce the impact of your disability on daily living.

Dog Suitability

You must already own a friendly, non-aggressive dog that is:

• Not excessively anxious

• Vaccinated, flea-treated, and wormed

• Not raw fed

• In overall good health

Your dog must not be:

• A brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed

• A breed bred specifically for guarding/protection

• Likely to exceed 40 kg at a healthy adult weight 

Commitment

You must be able to travel to Nottingham for:

• Three assessment stages during training

• Annual reassessments

• Occasional workshops

B) Therapy Dog Program Eligibility

(for school and allied health professionals who want to work with their dog to support children and young people with additional needs)

Dog Criteria

Your dog must not:

• Bark at people or other dogs when on lead

• Have toileting accidents at home

• Show aggression or severe anxiety/fear

• Display repetitive behaviours (e.g. spinning, compulsive licking)

• Be raw fed

• Be brachycephalic (short-nosed)  e.g. pedigree pugs, French bulldogs, Shar Pei, shih tzus (crossbreeds with longer noses may be considered)

• Be linked with another organisation or role (except as a Pawsitive Squad Therapy or Community Assistance Dog)

Your dog must:

• Be fully vaccinated (kennel cough optional)

• Be flea & worm treated with a vet-recommended product

• Have insurance covering public liability. Once you’ve passed the bronze award and start working in a professional setting, this insurance must specifically cover therapy dogs, not just pet dogs.

Professional Criteria

This program is open to:

• Occupational Therapists

• Physiotherapists

• Speech & Language Therapists

• School-based education professionals

You must work in person, with people with additional needs, such as:

• Social deprivation

• Health and disability needs

• Social, emotional, and behavioural needs

Therapy dogs may be used in 1:1 sessions or with small groups (up to 15 people).

Why We Have the Introduction Course

We believe that every successful partnership begins with the right foundations.

The Introduction Course is here to:

• Give all applicants the same starting knowledge

• Help you see whether our program structure works for you

• Allow us to get to know you and your dog before moving forward

Completing the course is an exciting first step on your journey but it’s only the beginning. From there, we’ll work together to see whether the Assistance Dog Program or Therapy Dog Program is the right fit for you.