Frequently Asked Questions from first-time users
How are assistance dogs funded?
Assistance dog owners receive their assistance dogs free of charge. The payments for food and veterinary care are also covered. The costs are partially borne by the Swiss disability insurance system and – thanks to generous donations and legacies from private individuals and by the sale of promotional items – by our Foundation (further details on financing).
Can I request specific forms of assistance?
Absolutely!
Every assistance dog receives specific, tailored training, because everyone’s life is different. Once a dog has been assigned to a person, the assistance dog instructor trains the dog to provide specific assistance to suit that person’s needs.
This might include:
- Support with transfers (changing locations)
- Opening Velcro or zip fasteners
- Searching for, finding, and fetching specific objects by name
Can children have an assistance dog?
Yes. Children can benefit from an assistance dog too, provided that they are at least ten years old and able to communicate with the dog verbally.
In this situation, it is important to have a stable environment and supportive family so that a tight-knit and loving team can develop.