Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland - AADI
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FAQ
About Us
What is the cost of an assistance dog?
How is autism assistance dogs ireland funded?
Where are assistant dogs trained?
How are families selected for an assistance dog?
How are assistance dogs allocated?
Does the recipient family receive training?
Are there any ongoing costs to the family?
Does aadi provide aftercare?
What is the cost of an assistance dog?
The cost of training an assistance dog is €15,000.
How is autism assistance dogs ireland funded?
Autism assistance dogs Ireland (aadi) relies exclusively on voluntary contributions and, at present, it does not receive any Government funding. These monies are raised by means of Church Gate Collections, Flag Days, sponsored events, such as marathons, cycles, swims etc.
Where are assistant dogs trained?
The assistance dogs will be trained in all environments which they are likely to encounter as assistance dogs. Therefore they will be trained in urban, rural and domestic locations to ensure that they can function effectively as assistance dogs for children with autism. All assistance dogs have a high standard of obedience and social behaviour which is required as part of the ‘Assistance Dogs International’ standard and also to be able to gain access to public places including restaurants and shops.
How are families selected for an assistance dog?
Specific criteria must be met before being accepted for an Assistance Dog. If these criteria are met a detailed application form is sent out to the families to be completed and returned. At this stage they are placed on a waiting list prior to a home assessment.
During the home assessment we will meet all the family including the child with autism and will go through the application form establishing suitability and commitment. We will also need to establish the areas where they will be taking the dog and how much they will be using it.
How are assistance dogs allocated?
Allocation of dogs is based on the date of application, assessment and suitability of the client and the assistance dog.
Each dog is matched to the client during the assessment and the dog will remain with that client for its working life.
Aadi will endeavour to provide assistance dogs to as many clients as possible within our resources.
Does the recipient family receive training?
Yes. One or both of the parents will be required to attend our 5 day training course, without the child, to learn about the dog and its welfare.
After this the family will take the dog home and the Instructor will work in their home environment with the child doing the attachments. This normally takes 5 or 6 sessions.
Are there any ongoing costs to the family?
Yes. All food and veterinary care is provided by the family.
Yes. After this they will have a 6 week and 6 month follow up visit and then yearly aftercare visits.
We will always be available to give advice and to do any extra visits that may be required.
