The Four Paws and a Wake Up Service Dog Application and Matching Process
Our Service Dog Program
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Service Dogs for Veterans who have a permanent service-connected disability for which Veterans Administration has documented related to mobility, service-related post-traumatic stress and/or traumatic brain injury
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Service Dogs for individuals with mobility disabilities (limited availability)
Please note that Four Paws and a Wake Up does not train seizure alert dogs, guide dogs for the blind, diabetes alert dogs, dogs for people with Alzheimer's, emotional support, or psychiatric dogs for non-Veterans. Four Paws and a Wake Up does not train dogs that are already owned by individuals. Contact Assistance Dogs International for information about other organizations who may be able to help.
Cost of Obtaining a Service Dog
Many people ask us about the cost of obtaining a Service Dog. Thanks to generous donors and funding from grants, there is no charge for clients who are eligible for our services for receiving a Service Dog. Clients will need to pay for annual dog supplies such as food and veterinary services that can average $1,000-$2,000 a year.
Four Paws and a Wake Up-NC
Canine Services
Mailing: PO Box 12544 Wilmington NC 28405
Tax ID 84-2287904
Service Dog Access
A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

Service Dogs
A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. A service animal, is a dog or a miniature horse, and has legal access to public spaces the same as a wheelchair, walker, cane or crutch.


Emotional Support Animals
An emotional support animal (ESA), assistance animal, or support animal, is a companion animal that a medical professional says provides some benefit for a person disabled by a mental health condition or emotional disorder. Emotional support animals do not have legal access under the American with Disability Act.

Therapy Animal
A therapy pet provides affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, people with learning difficulties, and to those that may not have access to animals. Therapy animals do not have legal access under the American with Disability Act.
Quick Reference
These links are provided for informational purposes and most will take you to an external website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals and the ADA
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
ADA Update - A Primer for Small Business
Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities
Psychiatric Service Dogs: Emotional Support Animal vs Psychiatric Service Dog
State Laws
Assistance Animal Law by State
Assistance Dog International Guide to Access Laws
Housing
Service Animals and Assistance Animals for People with Disabilities in Housing and
Veterans Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Guide and Service Dogs
Travel
Air Craft Carrier Act, U.S. Department of Transportation
Reference
Why Natural Behaviors Aren't Service Dog Tasks, Anything Pawsable, March 9, 2015.
The Difference Between Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Emotional Support Animals and More, Anythings Pawsable, December 4, 2018