INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your enquiry to Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust.
Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust (Mobility Dogs) is a Charitable Trust established in 2003. Our Mission is to enhance the lives of people living with long-term disabilities, increasing independence, confidence, self-esteem, and participation in New Zealand communities.
We achieve this through the following programmes; Service Dog, Companion Dog and Community Dog placements.
THE COMPANION DOG PROGRAMME
- Companion Dogs are placed with people where who have an ongoing health condition and would benefit from the love and companionship of a dog.
- We recognise that Companion Dogs may provide an holistic benefit to the family wider family unit.
- The placement cost for a Companion Dog is $5,000. However there will be incurred costs associated with placements outside of Auckland/Hamilton and Queenstown.
THE PRE-APPLICATION PROCESS
Please note that filling out this form does not guarantee you will be suitable to receive a Companion Dog.
The process for receiving a Companion Dog is divided into three separate stages as outlined below. Each stage is reviewed by the Mobility Dogs team, and you may be asked to continue to the second and finally the third stage, or you may be advised that your application is not proceeding to the next stage.
We understand that this can be a lengthy process for you, however we aim to ensure that if successful you receive a Companion Dog that is appropriate for your specific situation.
TIMEFRAMES
Due to the demand for our dogs we have an extensive waiting-list, therefore we are unable to provide set timeframes for completion of the application process.
We undertake to:
• Keep applicants informed throughout the application process.
• Respond to any enquiries promptly.
• Provide details of the next steps to each applicant as applicable.
APPLICATION STAGES
STAGE 1:
- Please complete the application with as much detail as possible and submit the form.
- You may be contacted with further questions about your application.
- Or, if you have any queries about the application form please contact the applicant coordinator directly.
STAGE 2:
- Upon progressing to Stage 2, you will be required to have a home visit to assess your property and your home environment.
- At the home visit we ask that the whole family attend the meeting. A support person or extended family members who will be directly involved in the care of the dog may also be present.
- Having a Companion Dog in your life can be very rewarding. However, the dogs require a great deal of time, care and attention. Sometimes living with a health condition means caring for a dog can be challenging. It is during this meeting that we can discuss how this will be managed by you or your support people.
- Your application will be reviewed by the team and we will be in touch to advise if you have moved to stage 3.
STAGE 3:
Once a suitable dog has been identified we will contact with you to arrange a date to introduce the dog. (all family members living at the address to be present). If a match is made at this time the time commitments required for a trial placement are:
- Day 1: (Wedesday) - Canine team to go over the client manual and trial placement agreement with the family. (no dog will be present).
- Day 2 : (Thursday AM or PM) - Canine team and dog will train with the family.
- Day 3 : (Friday AM or PM) - Canine team and dog will train with the family and the dog will be left over the weekend.
- Day 4: (Monday AM or PM) Canine team to return to discuss any issues or concerns, and then if all parties are in agreement will leave the dog on a trial placement for one month.
- The trainer will be available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise for the first 7 days of the one month trial.
- If at the end of the month the placement is not successful you will be required to organise for the dog to be returned to Mobility Dogs at your own expense.