Our Dogs

SandyPaws For A Cause service dogs are partnered with adults and children with disabilities to assist with daily tasks and increase independence by reducing reliance on other people. A service dog can pull their partner in a manual wheelchair, alert to the sound of a doorbell, push buttons for elevators or automatic doors, and even assist with business transactions by transferring money, receipts, and packages.

Facility dogs are expertly trained dogs that are partnered with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation or education setting. SandyPaws For A Cause facility dogs are trustworthy in professional environments and can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire clients with special needs. Facilitators are working professionals responsible for handling and caring for the facility dog. Additionally, facilitators are committed to long-term employment where they directly serve clients with special needs a minimum of twenty hours per week. One of the most valued qualities of the facility dog is the unconditional love and attention it gives to the clients and patients with whom it interacts.

A therapy dog is a pet that accompanies their owner into specific settings for the benefit of the residents or clients in the setting and/or as part of a therapeutic intervention. Studies have shown that interacting with therapy dogs as part of an animal-assisted intervention approach yields both physical and psychological benefits to humans and the dog.  The therapy dog pilot program will provide formal therapy dog certification and ongoing support for a small group of eligible teams near our headquarters in Port Orange, Florida, with the goal of expanding the program more broadly in the future.