The Kids and Canines program was started ten years ago in Hillsborough County, Florida as an anti-truancy initiative. This innovative program pairs truant (not delinquent) middle school teens with a golden retriever to train to be an assistance dog for individuals with physical disabilities or children with autism. The students are paired with an 8 week old puppy and are taught to do the actual ‘hands on’ instructions for the 18 month period it takes to train the dog to perform over 60 commands. These commands include turning on light switches, retrieving articles, removing laundry from dryers, opening doors, and helping with the shopping.

Students train the dogs for 1.5 hours a day and attend regular classes the rest of the school day. During the span of the year and a half training period, the students have their lives changed in many ways. The primary goal of training their beautiful dogs is to help individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives. In return, the students learn self-discipline and patience, develop communication skills, gain sensitivity to those with physical disabilities and improve their own self-esteem. As a result of the bond that grows between the student and the dog, the truancy problem for these youngsters is improved.

Recipients

The recipients of these amazing dogs have their lives changed in a remarkable way also. Each dog that graduates represents an opportunity for a person with physical challenges to lead a more productive and independent life. Our recipients happily report that their dog quickly becomes an integral part of their lives and not only does their independence and self assurance increase, but their self-esteem improves also. Their dog “opens doors” for them both literally and metaphorically, by providing a point of interest that few people can resist.

Eligibility Requirements for acceptance of applications:

The following is the eligibility requirements for potential applicants to be considered for placement with a service dog from Kids and Canines:

An acceptable applicant must successfully complete a preliminary telephone interview which will address the following:

Be at least 16 years of age with some exceptions for younger applicants
Have minimal use of one arm
Have some voice strength
Be able to provide for appropriate care of dog after placement
Be willing to attempt to raise at least part of the $2500 required for the dog
Be able to pay $150 for follow-up cost of dog
Turn in completed application at least 3 months prior to team training
Be able to complete a 2 week training camp
Reside in Hillsborough County or its surrounding counties
Applicants approved for a successor dog will have priority over first time candidates

Download Service Dogs Questions and Answers (Adobe PDF Reader required to view form)
Download Initial Recipient Application Letter (Adobe PDF Reader required to view form)
Download Recipient Program Application Form (Adobe PDF Reader required to view form)