Facility Dog Program

Paws for Patrick is proud to introduce a powerful new addition to our mission of improving youth mental health through the emotional support of animals: the Facility Dog Program. In partnership with an accredited training organization, Canine Assistance, we will place professionally trained facility dogs in schools, hospitals, and mental health organizations- settings where emotional healing is needed most. These dogs are specially raised to foster therapeutic, relationship-driven interactions. Unlike traditional service animals, they live with a staff handler and work as part of the care team to bring daily comfort, connection, and calm.

A partnership with the Grayson Murray Foundation will generously support our Facility Dog program including the dog’s training, placement, and care.

Learn more

Apply for a Facility Dog

Complete our Screening Application

FAQs

  • Only schools, mental health facilities, or mental health inpatient units are eligible for a Paws for Patrick (P4P)-funded facility dog. 

  •  The application must be completed by an authorized representative with decision-making authority (e.g., Hospital Administrator, District Superintendent with prior School Board Approval, Facility Owner). 

Program Eligibility & Application 

Training & Travel

  • Both handlers must attend a one-week training camp in Milton, Georgia. Training takes place Monday–Thursday and includes meeting your dog, lectures, and hands-on learning. This immersive experience ensures handlers are confident and supported before bringing their dog home. 

  • The Acquiring Facility is responsible for all travel-related expenses, including airfare (Delta is preferred for return flights), lodging, meals, ground transportation, and any additional costs for the handlers. 

About the Dogs

  • Facility dogs are typically Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Goldendoodles, or mixes of these breeds. 

  • Most dogs are around two years old when placed. 

  • Dogs are trained using only positive, relationship-based methods. They’ve never experienced punishment, harsh corrections, or fear-based tactics. Their training emphasizes kindness, consistency, and emotional well-being, which enables them to provide trust, comfort, and joy to those they serve. 

    Camp marks the beginning of your partnership with the dog. Building a strong bond may take months — full team potential is typically reached after six months or more of working together. 

Handler Requirements & Responsibilities 

  • The Acquiring Facility must designate one primary and one secondary handler before applying. Both handlers must be licensed health professionals (e.g., MD, LSW, LCSW, psychologist, or child life specialist) and directly involved in client care. 

    If the primary handler leaves the facility, Canine Assistants will determine whether the dog remains with the facility, returns to Canine Assistants, or transitions with the handler. Acquiring Facilities must sign a contract agreeing to these terms. 

  • Yes! Handlers can have other pets, as long as those pets are not aggressive toward other animals. Integration guidance is provided during camp to ensure a smooth transition. 

  • A fenced yard is highly preferred, but not required. Many handlers live in apartments or urban environments. 

Dog Placement Requirements

    • A safe, smoke-free, and predictable environment 

    • Adequate space for the dog to move and relax without stress 

    • A quiet room for rest every 2–3 hours (30–60 minutes) with a couch, chair, or dog bed 

    • The Acquiring Facility must assume legal responsibility for the dog and handlers 

    • Must provide proof of liability insurance covering dog-related incidents 

    • Must comply with all local, state, and federal laws 

    • Must sign contracts regarding care, placement, and legal obligations 

  •  Canine Assistants and Paws for Patrick reserve the right to reclaim the dog if: 

    • The dog is neglected or abused 

    • The facility fails to provide proper care 

    • The dog's weight is not maintained without valid medical cause 

     If the placement is revoked, the dog must be returned at the facility’s expense. 

Cost & Care

  • Paws for Patrick covers the cost of adoption (valued at ~$35,000). The facility is responsible for lifetime costs, including: 

    • Food 

    • Veterinary care 

    • Grooming 

    • Supplies 

Ongoing Expectations & Feedback

    • Participate in quarterly feedback surveys and annual updates 

    • Share testimonials, photos, videos, and updates on the dog’s impact 

    • Submit regular health information, including weight updates 

Final Tips

  • Dear Client, 

    Hope you and yours are well.  We would like to take a moment to tell you about our program.  We are happily flooded with puppies at Canine Assistants these days.  It is incredible to watch these tiny creatures enter the world so helpless and then, some 18 months later, graduate 60-70 lbs. heavier and indescribably more capable.   Not only are these dogs able to help people, but they are also kind enough to do so with great joy. 

    A few months ago, I was on a stage with the seven dogs we currently have working full-time in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta system.   As I looked from dog to dog, I was struck by the compassion and generosity of spirit that they show day after day.   They really are quite extraordinary creatures—as are all of our dogs.   

    I began reflecting about what makes them tenderhearted enough to sit completely still as sobbing children hooked up to various medical equipment clings to them yet still brave enough to jump on elevators and escalators in the chaotic Atlanta airport without hesitation.   It starts with their extraordinary kindness; the kindness with which they were born and that which has been poured into them by the staff, volunteers, and other animals of Canine Assistants.  Since before they were born, these dogs have been adored.  They have never experienced a leash correction or a shouting voice.  They have been taught with kindness, and they return that kindness to us a thousand-fold.   Because they’ve not been made to fear, they have complete and total trust in the people they love. 

    This is our 29th year in operation.  When we first started, we used the harsh training techniques that were standard in the day.  That punishment-based approach made everyone involved miserable and resulted in much heartache for people and dogs.  We simply didn’t know any other way.  Now we do.  Our dogs are happy under our current methodology and, as a result, capable of forming stronger bonds than we’ve ever imagined possible.   And of all we have learned in the past 23 years, one fact has become clear above all else—The bond is all that matters.  From that bond comes the willingness to work for success (though it feels like play) and the ability to handle any difficulties that might arise. 

    We have also learned that those who worry more about what they want FOR their dogs rather than what they want FROM their dogs end up being most successful under our methodology.  For the dogs to be able to focus on making you happy and healthy, they have to be happy and healthy themselves.   

    Please understand that camp is the time when you meet your dog and you BEGIN to establish that bond.  Much of the necessary work will have to be done after you get home.  You and your dog will not be at your best as a team until you have been together for six months or more.  Great partnerships require two components— an immediate spark upon meeting and slow strengthening over time as you come to understand one another more clearly.   While you are here, we will help you recognize the spark and give you the tools needed to strengthen the bond, but the remainder is up to you.  

    We have also learned something else over the years—our dogs aren’t right for everyone.  Type A personalities often have a very hard time with our relatively loose structure.  If you find it difficult to imagine asking a dog to do something rather than telling him, we will flat make you crazy.  We do not believe in the use of punishment and do not allow the use of correction with our dogs.   For those who are more traditional in their views of dogs and discipline, this may be difficult.  And, if you have thoughts of saying what you need to say and then handling the dog as you choose when you get home (that might well be my first thought!), I have bad news.   Methods other than our own don’t work with our dogs.   They fall completely to pieces when handled differently resulting in such delights as diarrhea, vomiting, anxiety-based barking and chewing, failure to perform as requested—the list goes on and on.   I promise it just isn’t worth it to start with one of our dogs if you aren’t 100% committed to doing it our way.   If you cannot commit to our approach, that’s okay.  Not every program is right for every person. There are other programs that might be a better fit if you have a more traditional view of dogs and what constitutes appropriate treatment of them.   

    If you feel more comfortable with another program, please visit the internet to find other organizations that will be able to help you. 

    If you are willing to fully and completely embrace our methodology, I look forward to reviewing your application. 

    Much affection,
    Jennifer Arnold
    Founder of Canine Assistants