What is a facility dog?

Facility dogs are carefully selected and specifically trained dogs who work in a facility and provide assistance and comfort to more than one person. Unlike therapy dogs, facility dogs are trained for specific tasks based on their facility needs. Some tasks might be retrieval, cuddle (deep pressure therapy), interactive games, and more. These dogs provide comfort, activities, mental stimulation, and emotional support.

Facility dogs begin training the second they are placed with their trainer at 8 weeks old. They begin working on socialization and potty training, and basic puppy manners at this age. They are trained and bred to be calm, dependable, and confident. They are in training for about a year to a year and a half until they successfully pass the certification.

Where could you find a facility dog?

• Nursing homes and assisted living

• Courthouses

• Schools

• Healthcare facilities

• And many more!

The benefits of a Facility Dog are endless. Providing emotional comfort to people and reducing stress is important in any aspect of one of these dog’s jobs. Facility dogs can also increase energy and happiness in people, specifically long term care facilities where morale for some residents can be low from missing family or pets. Having a facility dog on site can help tremendously and can be utilized it many different ways! They can assist in therapy session, help with behavior intervention, be included in class lessons plans and much more!

Cost: $10,000

Payments: $500 deposit if the puppy is still in the puppy raiser’s home. $5,000 due when the puppy moves into the program. And the remainder when the puppy is officially placed.