Assistance Dogs South Africa logo Assistance Dogs
South Africa
Our Dogs

A dog trained for every kind of need

Seven categories of assistance dog, each matched to the handler's specific disability-related tasks and daily life.

Each assistance dog must be trained in at least three tasks to mitigate a disability or condition other than for our Guide dog mobility program

Guide dog leading a handler

Guide Dogs

Supporting individuals with visual impairments to navigate safely and independently.

Child with autism assistance dog

Autism Assistance Dogs

Individually trained to provide safety, emotional regulation, and practical assistance through-specific task work.

Prevent wandering/elopement Deep pressure therapy Interrupt unsafe behaviours Grounding during sensory overload Tactile calming Lead to a parent or caregiver Retrieval tasks such as comfort items and medication Provide routine and transition support Spatial buffering in crowded environments Sleep support Assist with emotional regulation Lead their handler to the nearest exit, chair or quiet space

A sample of commonly trained tasks — every dog's training is tailored to the individual handler.

Dog performing deep pressure therapy

Psychiatric Assistance Dogs

Individually trained to perform-mitigating tasks that improve safety, independence, and quality of life.

Anxiety interruption Panic attack response Deep pressure therapy (DPT) Nightmare interruption Guide to a safe place Interrupt self-harming behaviours Find another person for assistance (where appropriate) Wake handler from alarms Grounding during dissociation(DPT) Create personal space (spatial buffering) Medication reminders Retrieve task like medication or phone

A sample of commonly trained tasks — every dog's training is tailored to the individual handler.

Dog retrieving an item for handler

Service Mobility Dogs

Supporting individuals with physical disabilities.

Retrieving dropped items Opening doors Carrying items Getting help
Hearing dog alerting handler

Hearing Dogs

Hearing Dogs alert their handlers who may be deaf or have a hearing impairment to important sounds in their environment.

Doorbells Alarms Phones ringing Name calling
Multipurpose assistance dog at work

Multipurpose Assistance Dogs

A specially trained dog capable of combining multiple assistance roles depending on the individual handler's disability-related needs.

Facility dog in a school or hospital setting

Facility Dogs

Working alongside professionals in schools, hospitals, therapy settings, legal environments, and community support services. These dogs provide emotional regulation, therapeutic support, and task-based interventions to multiple individuals.

Schools Hospitals Therapy settings Legal environments Community support services
Not sure which fits?

Tell us about your needs and we'll help you decide

Every match starts with a conversation about your lifestyle, environment, and support goals.

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