Owner-Provided Dog Program

Owner-Provided Dog Criteria

We offer this option for hearing, mobility, seizure, and diabetes applicants, but not autism applicants.

Applicants must reside in the Twin Cities Metro or surrounding area.

Your dog must be between 1 and 4 years of age.
Your dog must be spayed or neutered.
Within the last year, your dog must have had a complete physical and be current on vaccinations including rabies.
Obtain a letter of reference from your veterinarian stating your dog is a good candidate for an assistance dog.
Your dog may be required to have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) view x-rays of hips and elbows after they are one year old. This will only be required after the application and temperament testing are complete. This is the final step before acceptance into the program. Can Do Canines will notify you if this is necessary.

You and your dog must have completed at least two levels of obedience class within the last year at a training school of your choice. We recommend that you and your dog pass the Canine Good Citizen test within the last year.
Obtain a letter of reference from your obedience trainer stating that your dog is a good candidate to be an assistance dog.
Your dog must demonstrate the ability to perform at least one skill that assists you in your daily life.

Your dog must be confident and well behaved in all public situations and socialized to as many different exposures as possible.
Your dog must pass Can Do Canines’ temperament evaluation.

Your dog must be the only dog in the home, unless it can be demonstrated that the other dogs will not interfere with the assistance dog’s tasks.