Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canine Assistance Partners?
Canine Assistance Partners is a non-profit 501(c)3 agency. We provide Service Dogs to assist disabled individuals. Since our inception in 1999, we have placed ten working teams.

What is a Service Dog?
Specifically qualified dogs, trained to assist physically and emotionally disabled individuals so that they may obtain a greater degree of personal freedom, independence, and
self-reliance.

Who can apply for a Service Dog and how much does a Service Dog cost?
Individuals with physical and emotional disabilities, who can demonstrate that a Canine Assistance Partner will facilitate their independence and self-reliance. Individuals who are accepted into the program to receive an assistance dog are encouraged to make a contribution to CAP to the extent of their ability, however, no qualified individual will be turned away for lack of financial resources.

Who is eligible to receive a Service Dog?
Our dogs are trained to work with a wide variety of disabilities. One unique aspect of our program is our interest in placing dogs with children. The important components for placement are a demonstrated need for a service dog and the ability to successfully work in partnership with a dog.

Where do the CAP puppies/dogs come from?
Puppies come to us from individuals, reputable breeders, rescue organizations and shelters. Each puppy must pass strict psychological and physical tests to insure its suitability for the demands of the service. Various breeds are currently being used and range in size from 6 to 120 lbs. Individual dogs are chosen based on the various tasks they will need to perform and the needs of the individual they will be partnered with.

How does the training begin?
Volunteer Puppy Raisers open their homes and hearts to ensure that the puppies are socialized and well mannered. Regular training classes teach basic obedience. During this critical period, Puppy Raisers provide lots of love as well as exposure to many different situations such as work, school, and travel to prepare the puppy for its future as an Assistance Partner with a disabled person.

Where does the training go from there?
Once a Canine Partner has been matched to a Student Applicant, advanced training begins under the direction of the Training Director. CAP training assistants school the dog in the tasks it will be required to perform for its Partner such as picking up dropped objects, opening and closing doors, turning light switches on and off, retrieving a telephone when it rings, pushing elevator buttons, and pulling a wheelchair when needed. When the necessary tasks are mastered, Partnership training takes place in the Student's home and other places of activity. This phase can take up to a year, but generally it is accomplished in 2-6 months. Following graduation, CAP provides continuing support to the Partnership to ensure its success.

What volunteer opportunities are available?
CAP is a volunteer-based organization relying on dedicated and talented individuals for a variety of tasks. We have an urgent need for Puppy Raisers. We also have a continuing call for foster Puppy Raisers and training assistants, as well as general office help, professional services, computer services, fund raising, planning and publicity, and special events.

What happens if a dog is unable to complete service training?
On rare occasions, it happens that a dog is unable to become a service dog after undergoing all their extensive training. When this happens the dog is considered for another type of work such as a facility dog or a therapy dog. We also maintain a waiting list of loving and qualified people who want to give a home to a retiring service dog or to a young dog that was unable to go into service work.

How do you apply for a Service dog?
Apply for a Service Dog
Apply to become an Owner-As-Trainer
Apply to become a Puppy Trainer

How do you contact CAP?

Canine Assistance Partners, Inc.
PO Box 3097
Eugene, OR 97403
541-485-1545
CAP@anlol.org