Alberta announces new funding for service dog organizations

The province is providing $300,000 in funding to three new Alberta-based companies that train, test, and place service dogs with people who need them.

Service dogs can help people with visible and non-visible disabilities, such as mental health conditions, mobility issues, or visual impairment. The dogs can also help people maintain a job, get around their community, or manage posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Service dogs play such an important role in the lives of those who rely on them. Being paired with my first service dog four years ago was life-changing, which led me on the path to becoming a service dog trainer,” John Dugas, head trainer, Holdfast K9 Inc. said. “I know how important it is to establish a solid training foundation in both the dog and owner. I’m thrilled to join Alberta’s approved service dog organizations and look forward to bringing my expertise to the Edmonton area to help more individuals train their dogs.”

The three additional organizations that have been given provincial approval to qualify service dogs are: Meliora Service Dogs, TLC Training and Consulting, and Holdfast K9 Inc.

“Becoming an approved service dog organization eliminates a huge barrier for individuals in the Medicine Hat area who no longer have the stress of travelling long distances to get their dogs tested,” Jamie Billings, head trainer, Meliora Service Dogs said. “For many individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, even travelling to another place can cause undue stress. We are so pleased to be able to provide our services in southern Alberta and help individuals with disabilities with their service dog needs.”

The province says the more organizations working towards training and qualifying service dogs, the more dogs can be with people who need them at a faster rate.

“TLC Training and Consulting is pleased to receive funding through the service dog grants from the Government of Alberta.  Our clients have told us repeatedly the difference their service dogs make in allowing them to participate more fully in all aspects of their lives,” Sarah Jane Petti, owner/trainer, TLC Training and Consulting said. “The funding from this grant will allow our program to assist more Albertans wishing to train their own service dogs.”

Alberta now funds a total of nine service dog training organizations.