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
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is giving from your heart. Four Paws and a Wake Up-NC will soon have opportunities to assist with a service dog in training, as well as, learn to become a certified animal-assisted therapy team (with your own dog) to volunteer in the community and to help with event planning. Learn more by completing Contact Us-NC.
Puppy Raiser - Volunteer
Service dogs don't just happen; it takes hours of training.
Currently ON-HOLD due to Covid.
Volunteer puppy raisers provide puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love.
Each hour spent caring for a Four Paws and a wake Up-NC puppy is vital to its development as a future assistance dog. The puppy raising program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to assist with our very important mission.
You must be at least 18 years old to be a volunteer puppy raiser. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian as a co-applicant on the puppy raiser application.
Raise a puppy, change a life; maybe even your own.
As a volunteer puppy raiser, you must agree to the following:
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Provide a safe environment for a puppy who will be the only dog under 1-year old in the house
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Work closely with Four Paws and a Wake Up-NC monitoring the puppy’s progress and submit monthly reports
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Attend Four Paws and a Wake Up-NC approved obedience classes
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Teach the puppy manners and basic commands
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Provide financially for the puppy’s food, medical and transportation expenses
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Feed the puppy a diet recommended by Four Paws and a Wake Up-NC
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Provide a kennel or crate for sleeping indoors
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Provide the puppy with age-appropriate socialization opportunities such as public outings and medical appointments
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Keep the puppy on a leash at all times unless in a securely fenced area
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Supervise the young puppy throughout the day
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Agree to return the puppy upon request