CANINE ASSISTED INTERVENTION
Changing Lives Through Connection
NSD’s Canine Assisted Intervention Program is uniquely positioned to provide mental health support services to people of all ages. CAI Dogs can reduce stress levels among staff, clients, and others, while promoting healing, improving overall well-being and inspiring hope for a bright future.
CAI Facility Dogs can reduce stress levels among staff, clients, and others, while promoting healing and improving overall well-being.
Education Facility Dogs
Operational Stress Intervention Dogs (OSID)
(Formerly Peer Support Facility Dogs)
Justice Facility Dogs
Benefits
HOW CANINE ASSISTED INTERVENTION CAN HELP
Comprehensive Healing
By improving mental health, assisting with physical goals, and supporting overall emotional well-being, our CAI Facility Dogs aid in the healing process for clients across multiple disciplines
Improved Motivation & Communication
Increased feelings of safety allows clients to become more motivated to reach their goals. Our NSD dogs can assist with social interactions and language, which foster cognitive development.
CAI Facility Dogs
Including CAI Service Dogs in therapy provides patients with the ability to participate in new ways, as they mediate interactions in uncomfortable therapeutic settings, reducing stress levels among both staff and clients.
SUCCESS STORIES
He Has Had An Impact From Day One
NSD Uno is brilliant! He has settled in wonderfully to his job with me, and is also happily adjusted to our home life. He’s out working daily with a variety of students. If I could tell you how positive an effect Uno is having, it would take up a lifetime.
Including CAI Dogs in therapy provides patients with the ability to open up and speak out and participate in ways they were not able to when the dog was not present.
Liisa, SEED Education Strategies & Solutions
SUCCESS STORIES
Each Day, West Dons His Cape
NSD Facility Dog West began his work with the Victim Crisis Unit of Ottawa Police Services in the fall of 2018. Each day he dons his cape and his badge and assists victims and witnesses of trauma.
West’s calming presence, reassuring nudges and ‘visits’ can reduce someone’s heart rate and reduce their blood pressure. He will make it easier for children and adults to tell their stories and give them something tangible to hold and hug during a difficult time.
You can follow NSD West’s adventures on twitter @K9West3
Ottawa Police Services
SUCCESS STORIES
An Invaluable Role, Working Alongside Caseworkers
Monet, an accredited Facility Dog, joined us as a gift from National Service Dogs early in 2020. She has been specifically trained to support people dealing with difficult situations. Since joining our team, Monet has played an invaluable role working alongside caseworkers in our Child Witness Program, supporting children, youth, and their families as they navigate the criminal court process.
She is the first Facility Dog working in the criminal justice system in Waterloo Region! Monet has her own Instagram account! You can follow her at: @nsdmonetthefacilitydog
Break Down Barriers:
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Each of our dogs is provided to those in need, free of charge. Help support our mission by donating today.
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Your help is needed.
If you love dogs and love making a difference, there are a variety of ways to volunteer at National Service Dogs. You getting involved allows us to provide life-changing Service Dogs that empower people to achieve their full potential. We would not exist without the hard work and dedication of our generous volunteers, both with dogs and within our organization. Make an impact today.
Canine Assisted Intervention has been hailed as the “treatment of choice” by doctors and treatment centres alike.
CAI Dogs provide multiple impacts, aiding in physical, social, and emotional healing:
- Education CAI dogs help captivate students’ attention and motivate learning
- Justice CAI dogs enhance feelings of comfort, calm, and safety, throughout testimony
- Operational Stress Intervention Dogs (OSID) aid with breaking down barriers and building trust
Donate today to help make an impact. Become a partner or sponsor a CAI Service Dog.
NSD’s Client Service Social Workers walk our clients through a thoughtful, person-centric application and screening process. The demand for our services currently exceeds our capacity and we work on a referral and quota process for new applicants aligned with the number of dogs in development at any given time. Our application process is currently closed.
Each NSD Service and Facility Dog Partnership is valued at $50,000; including all ongoing support services over the eight year partnership, but provided at no charge to clients. Once partnered with an NSD Dog, clients are responsible for:
- A $250 equipment fee - Travel, lodging and food costs associated with the week they attend Team Training in Kitchener, Ontario
- The day to day costs associated with the dog’s care; including food, toys, and veterinary care.
NSD retains ownership of all working service and facility dogs and works in partnership with our clients to ensure each dog’s health and wellness needs are being met throughout their working life.
Pioneering Change
NSD's first Canine Assisted Intervention (CAI) Dog was placed in 2013, making ours the first CAI program in Ontario, and one of only three in Canada. The dogs are matched with professionals from a variety of disciplines to work as partners in their therapy, to address health and wellness in our community.
Donate to NSDStatistics
NSD’s CAI Program is uniquely positioned to provide support services to people of all ages, across a diverse area of work/impact. Currently, NSD provides Education and Justice Facility Dogs and Operational Stress Intervention Dogs (OSID) (formerly Peer Support Facility Dogs). Canine Assisted Interventions has been hailed as the “treatment of choice” by doctors and treatment centers alike.
Learn More Here