The K9 Community Assistance Network (K9CAN) assists certified Service Dog training programs and facilitates the selection, raising, and training of Service Dogs to be utilized as Wheelchair Assistance Dogs and Social Therapy Dogs.
This is accomplished by utilizing volunteers, trained staff, and certified instructors to provide the appropriate training. This specialized type training lasts for approximately 18 months.
K9CAN provides services to public or private organizations serving several specialized populations in need of trained companions and social therapy dogs. These dogs are utilized to provide social interaction and “pet therapy” in unique situations such as autism classes and physical therapy for physically challenged youth.
K9CAN provides education opportunities to schools, service clubs and organizations, and other appropriate audiences highlighting the value of Service Dogs. These activities provide an awareness of persons with disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
K9CAN provides opportunities for “at risk” youth, as well as incarcerated youth to be exposed to the value of training and caring for Service Dogs. This includes job skills training, hands on dog training sessions, and grooming and care of canines. Additional behavior modification “side effects” are inherent in the training also, as the youth learns patience, concentration, and anger management. These services are accomplished in concert with appropriated education components with the goal of preventing the youth from (any or further) interaction with the Judicial System.
At the conclusion of the training period, K9CAN coordinates with various organizations serving the disabled population or other suitable recipients of these type services to screen applicants and place Service Dogs with appropriate recipients. In addition, K9CAN provides a follow-up of the placement to insure the dog is providing the expected service appropriately and the Team is evaluated for any remedial training that may be necessary.
All the above services are currently provided through volunteers or contractual arrangements with persons certified to deliver the described services. These services are coordinated by the K9 Community Assistance Network, which is located in Tampa, FL.
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