Assistance Dogs
Trained Partners. Greater Freedom.
CHAMP transforms lives through the power of expertly trained assistance dogs. From the moment our puppies begin their journey, they are raised with compassion, guided with purpose, and trained using proven positive-reinforcement methods to become confident, highly skilled partners.
We match our dogs with individuals and professionals who need support, independence, comfort, and connection. Whether assisting a person with a disability, supporting healing in a medical setting, comforting children in advocacy centers, or serving alongside professionals in courthouses, CHAMP dogs are prepared to make an immediate and lasting impact.
All dogs are screened for good health, temperament, and work drive.
Family Placement
A dog placed with a client and at least one family member/caregiver. The family member/caregiver is the primary party responsible for helping the client maintain care for the dog if the client is unable to do so. Placements and training will vary depending on clients’ needs.
This could be public access or home service without public access.
Home Service Dog
A dog that has special skills training and is certified to provide physical assistance to someone who needs assistance with mobility-related tasks in the home.
This dog does not have public access rights.
Public Access Service Dogs
A dog placed with a client who has passed the ADI Public Access test and has full rights and privileges to be in public under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The dog demonstrates full environmental confidence and the ability to perform skills/tasks for the client.
Public Access Service dogs require annual recertification.
Eligibility Requirements
Every CHAMP Assistance Dog placement is thoughtfully matched to ensure the best possible partnership for both the individual and the dog. Our eligibility requirements help determine readiness, support needs, and the ability to successfully work with and care for an Assistance Dog.
- Applicants must have a physical disability other than loss of vision or loss of hearing.
- Applicants must live in the greater St. Louis, MO area (within 50 miles of our business office in Maryland Heights, Missouri).
- Recipients must be at least 18 years of age for a Public Access Service Dog. You may apply earlier.
- Recipients must be at least 5 years of age for a Home Service Dog or Family Placement Dog. You may apply earlier.
- Applicants must be willing to participate in placement training. Training sessions for all categories of dogs typically start in your home. If you are a Public Access Service Dog candidate, training sessions will also include community outings and training at the locations you frequent, like your place of employment, your local grocery store and mall, etc.
- All service dog recipients are required to participate in follow-up contact, which may include phone calls, e-mails, completion of questionnaires, visits by CHAMP staff or volunteers, and additional training sessions, as needed, throughout the entire partnership.
- Applicants must have stability in their home life. Also, no new pets during the application process, and for at least one year after placement.
- Applicants must be able to physically, financially, and emotionally meet the needs of their service dog. If other individuals will assist with the dog’s care, they must be dependable and available for training sessions.
- In almost all cases, CHAMP requires the home to have a physically fenced yard (not electronic fencing). See FAQs for more information.
- Applicants must provide the dog with ample opportunity to perform the skills it has been trained to do.
CHAMP does not place seizure alert or diabetic alert dogs. Please visit the ADA for resources.
Jude and Martina are a perfect match! Thank you so much to everyone who made this placement happen. We couldn’t be happier and are so impressed with CHAMP.
Liz Rotz, Mother of Jude, recipient of service dog Martina.
Every dog changes a life. Every gift makes it possible.
The journey from puppy to placement requires extensive training, veterinary care, specialized equipment, and ongoing support—an investment of nearly $40,000 per dog. Your support helps fund this expert training and allows us to continue providing this service free of charge.