Our Programs
From initial assessments to full certification, PAD guides you through every step of the assistance dog journey using positive reinforcement methods.
General Needs Assessment
An informational session to explore eligibility, disability needs, and ensure owner training is right for you. Through interviews exploring your lifestyle and specific disability needs, PAD helps you understand the owner-training path and what it involves.
Needs Assessments are designed to help individuals determine whether an assistance dog would be a beneficial tool for their disability and to explore the owner-training path in depth.
The assessment includes an evaluation of a current dog, along with a detailed discussion of what you are looking for in a service dog. These components work hand in hand, so they are not offered separately.
You are not required to have a dog prior to the assessment. If you do not currently have a dog, a portion of the session will focus on how to identify and locate a suitable candidate.
What to Expect
- Eligibility and disability needs evaluation
- Discussion of how an assistance dog can mitigate your specific needs
- Guidance on the owner-training path, tailored to your individual needs
Assistance Dog Candidate Search
For owner-trainers, PAD raises and trains puppies up to two years old for selection, while also sourcing suitable puppies and adult dogs through trusted breeders and rescues. We work to find the right canine partner for your needs.
Prerequisite
A General Needs Assessment must be completed before beginning the candidate search process.
Training Membership & Support Program
PAD's monthly Owner Trainer Membership is designed to support you and your dog from foundation skills through advanced public access work. More than just lessons, membership provides professional instruction, personalized coaching, educational resources, community support, and exclusive member benefits as you work toward your training goals.
Membership Includes
- Monthly private lessons
- Virtual or in-person training options
- Ongoing individualized coaching
- Monthly progress evaluations
- Weekly homework
- Positive reinforcement training
Membership Benefits
Every membership includes:
- Comprehensive Owner Trainer Manual
- Access to PAD's private training community
- Weekly homework and training goals
- 24/7 trainer support between lessons
- Monthly progress reports
- Free dog food for life (pickup required)
- Wholesale pricing on training equipment
- Veterinary discounts
- Access to trusted pet sitters
- Board & Train opportunities
- Public Access Test eligibility
Monthly Group Training
Members participate in monthly group training sessions that provide opportunities to practice skills in a structured environment while learning alongside other assistance dog teams.
Activities Include
Assistance Dog Certification
PAD offers a certification program for owner-trained assistance dog teams who wish to demonstrate that they have met our training and public access standards.
While certification is not required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for public access rights, it is required for teams who wish to become or remain certified PAD Partners. Our certification program provides an objective evaluation of a team's training, behavior, and public access readiness.
Requirements May Include
- Passing the PAD Public Access Test
- Veterinary records
- Current vaccinations
- Dog licensing (where required by law)
- Ongoing membership in good standing
Upon Successful Certification
- Public Access Letter
- Official PAD Collar Tag
- Certification documentation recognizing your team's successful completion of the PAD certification process
Certification Schedule
- Initial certification
- Six-month reevaluation after the first certification
- Annual testing thereafter
Additional Programs
Beyond our Owner Trainer Membership, PAD offers programs for families, in-home handlers, and teams outside Central Pennsylvania.
Companion Dog Membership
Perfect for families who want an exceptionally well-trained pet using the same positive reinforcement methods used throughout PAD.
In-Home Service Dog Membership
Designed for handlers whose disabilities primarily require task work within the home environment.
Virtual Training
For teams outside Central Pennsylvania.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact PAD to learn more about fees, scheduling, and which programs are right for you. We're here to guide you through every step of the process.