A service dog is a dog individually trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. Service dogs perform a wide variety of tasks which enable individuals to experience increased independence and enhanced quality of life.

Carolina Canines trains service dogs for people with functional limitations of mobility. There are 3 categories of Service Dogs that Carolina Canines for Service trains for.  Click here for more information.

Service dogs trained through Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. are able to perform the following tasks for their partners:

• Retrieve and carry objects.
• Turn on lights and call attention to safety hazards.
• Open doors and cabinets.
• Provide a bridge back to society for the individual.
• Provide balance and stability for an amputee or someone who has lost mobility.
• Be a source of love and companionship.
• Provide assistance dressing and undressing.
• Help with household tasks like making the bed and laundry.
• Pull their partner in a wheelchair and help load wheelchairs.
• Provide physical support for transfers to and from a wheelchair.
• Push elevator buttons and transfer money at the store.
• Provide physical assistance to help an individual recover from a fall.
• Help individuals with disabilities make the transition back to independence together.

Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. acquires dogs for the program from a variety of sources. Purebred and mixed breed dogs are both utilized, with an emphasis on using rescued and shelter dogs.

Each dog is individually temperament tested to determine its innate characteristics and strengths.   All dogs are spayed/neutered prior to entering service.

Throughout the course of training, service dogs are closely monitored for good health and temperament. Hips and elbows are x-rayed to rule out hip dysplasia. Chronic health problems or aggressive/ unpredictable behavior result in disqualification from the program.

Carolina Canines For Service, Inc. commits to placing only healthy, temperamentally sound, quality trained dogs into service.