Our goal at F.E.T.C.H. is to breed, raise and train Goldendoodles to partner with individuals who need a highly trained Assistance Dog. With the capacity to learn upwards of 90 commands, all our dogs are given a general assistance dog education, which is then customized to the specific needs of the individual.
Individuals are required to attend a two week Assistance Dog User Training Camp in order to learn the necessary handling techniques to get the best out of their canine helpmate. The course consists of lectures, written quizzes/tests, practice sessions, field trips, working final and a solo evaluation. The ninety service dog commands are taught to the human partner, along with "how to" application, dog management skills and canine health care.
While our long-term goal is to be able to provide all individuals who qualify, a mobility service dog free of charge, at this time it is necessary for individuals to purchase the assistance dogs. The price includes the trained assistance dog, two week training camp and cape that allows for public access. Cost of training camp DOES NOT include accommodations, transportation, food or other field trip expenses. However, we are happy to assist in finding local accommodations and transportation for your stay.
MOBILITY SERVICE DOGS help individuals with physical mobility problems. These dogs perform such tasks as opening doors, turning lights on/off, pulling wheelchairs and retrieving items. These dogs have full public access.
HOME HELPMATES are assistance dogs placed in homes of individuals who would benefit from having the emotional or physical support of a well trained dog. These dogs DO NOT have public access.
HEARING DOGS are trained to alert individuals with hearing disabilities of all significant sounds in the environment such as; ringing phone, doorbell, baby crying, alarm, etc. These dogs have full public access.
FACILITY DOGS are well trained dogs that reside within residential facilities for children, the elderly or disabled individuals. These dogs provide love, support and companionship. These dogs DO NOT have public access.
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY are well trained dogs owned by individuals working in the health care field. Guided by the health care professional, these dogs work in a more structured environment where specific goals are set to promote improvement in a persons physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functions. Interaction with dogs has proven to have a strong, positive physical and psychological impact. These dogs DO NOT have public access.
We understand the cost of an Assistance dog is not cheap, but they are well worth the investment. The independence and companionship that they provide individuals is priceless. It is truly a labor of love, time and money that we put into all our dogs. Here are some, I hope, helpful avenues to explore when considering funding:
- Assistance Dog United Campaign provides financial assistance for the purchase of assistance dogs. Applications accepted only once a year from from April 1st through May 31st. You can either call 1.800.284.DOGS(3647) or visit their website at www.assistancedogunitedcampaign.org.
- Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program The Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program provides a monthly payment of $50 to eligible persons who use a guide, signal, or service dog to help them with needs related to their physical disabilities. The allowance is to help pay the costs of food, grooming, and health care for the dogs.
To be eligible for the ADSA program, an individual must meet all four of the following criteria: Live in California. Is blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or disabled. Uses the services of a trained guide, signal, or service dog. Receives benefits from one or more of these programs: - SSI (Supplemental Security Income) - SSP (State Supplementary Payment) - IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) - CAPI (Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants) - SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) (SSDI recipients must also meet federal poverty guidelines)
WHERE TO GET INFORMATION? Office of Services to the Blind 744 P Street, MS 6-94 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 657-2628 or TTY (916) 651-6248 You may also email us at: ADSAUser@dss.ca.gov
Our goal at F.E.T.C.H. is to breed, raise and train Goldendoodles to partner with individuals who need a highly trained Assistance Dog. With the capacity to learn upwards of 90 commands, all our dogs are given a general assistance dog education, which is then customized to the specific needs of the individual.
HOME HELPMATES are assistance dogs placed in homes of individuals who would benefit from having the emotional or physical support of a well trained dog. These dogs DO NOT have public access.
HEARING DOGS are trained to alert individuals with hearing disabilities of all significant sounds in the environment such as; ringing phone, doorbell, baby crying, alarm, etc. These dogs have full public access.
FACILITY DOGS are well trained dogs that reside within residential facilities for children, the elderly or disabled individuals. These dogs provide love, support and companionship. These dogs DO NOT have public access.
