Can Do Canines trains Mobility Assist Dogs to help people with physical disabilities. While the needs of each client can vary, mobility service dogs are trained to provide support by:
- opening and closing doors
- picking up and retrieving dropped objects
- activating push plates
- bringing a cane or walker within reach
- carrying small objects up/down stairs
- turning light switches on or off
- retrieving a cordless phone or cell phone
- alerting another person to come to the aid of their handler
- tugging off socks, shoes, jackets, etc.
Some Mobility Assist Dogs can also act as Diabetes, Hearing or Seizure Assist Dogs in addition to their mobility tasks!
![Sammy-MAD-Ursa_web yellow Lab service dog wearing a red Can Do Canines cape and young woman sitting on outdoor swing](https://candocanines.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Sammy-MAD-Ursa_web.jpg)
General Criteria for Mobility Assist Dog Applicants:
- Must be a resident of Minnesota or Wisconsin
- Must have a physical disability, debilitating chronic illness, or neurological disorder and can provide proof of diagnosis
- Must be physically and financially able to take full responsibility for the dog after certification
- Must be at least 10 years old
Click on the image below to watch a video about our Mobility Assist Teams.