Veterans, First Responders and their qualifying dependents with a diagnosis of PTSD.

There is no charge for qualifying clients.

Yes, if the dog is between 10 months old and 2 years old, passes our temperament tests, and you are approved to become an owner-trainer.

Many of today’s warriors and First responders have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and often physical injuries as well. An Arkansas Service Paws dog can be trained to assist you and respond to your individual needs in unique ways such as: creating a calming barrier between the client and perceived threats; providing comfort during times of stress; providing balance and support; alerting to important sounds; retrieving items, opening/closing doors and cabinets, operating switches; seeking help in emergencies; leading to an exit if disoriented; interrupting nightmares; and recognizing early signs of anxiety to give alerts.

Service dog candidates need to be easily trainable and non-threatening in behavior and appearance to the public.

Dogs between the ages of 10 months and 2 years old.

An Arkansas Service Paws dog thrives when a strong bond develops between the dog and its human partner. Clients must be ready to make the dog a major priority, have support at home, be motivated to train, and be able to commit the necessary time and attention.

There is no charge for an ARSP dog or training. After graduating, transfer of ownership will be completed at graduation.

Responsibilities include daily exercise, supervision, grooming, regular veterinary care, food and equipment, and family commitment. Expect ongoing annual costs for care and supplies.

For dogs owned by Arkansas Service Paws: when you and the dog have met training and certification requirements and graduated, the dog will go home with you and you assume responsibility. For clients who own their dog while in the program: you retain ownership and liability.

ARSP provides lifetime support at no cost, including follow-up training, trainer consultations, annual recertification, and other support services as needed.

Annual re-certification is required to maintain certified service dog status, ARSP vest and ID, and access to support services. You must submit an annual report, updated records, and pass the certification exam each year.

Yes. Arkansas Service Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; donations are tax-deductible. EIN: 88-3824489.

Our specialty is helping clients with PTSD, TBI, and/or Military Sexual Trauma; we also train for mobility assist and seizures when possible. Applicants should be a veteran or first responder, able to attend training, meet the dog's needs (or have support), commit to the program, and have family support.

Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task must be directly related to the person’s disability.

The dog must be trained to take a specific action to assist the person with a disability (e.g., alerting for blood sugar changes, reminding to take medication, detecting seizures).

No. These animals provide comfort by presence and are not trained to perform specific tasks, so they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. State/local laws may differ.

If the dog is trained to sense and take specific action to avert or reduce an attack, it may qualify. Mere comforting presence does not qualify under the ADA.

No. People with disabilities have the right to train their dogs themselves.

No. Under the ADA the dog must already be trained. Some state/local laws cover animals in training; Arkansas provides the same rights to dogs in training.

Staff may ask only: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? They cannot request documentation, ask for demonstration of the task, or inquire about the nature of the disability.

No. The ADA does not require identifying apparel for service animals.

The handler is responsible for toileting, feeding, grooming, and veterinary care. Covered entities are not required to supervise or care for the animal.

Yes. Service animals must be allowed to accompany handlers through self-service food lines and may not be prohibited from communal food-preparation areas in shelters or dormitories.