Pacific Assistance Dogs Society sounding alarm over service dog shortage

A growing number of Albertans with disabilities are facing a daunting wait for life-changing assistance dogs, according to Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS). 

The non-profit organization says demand for its services has surged, while rising costs and limited resources have stretched its capacity to the breaking point.

More than 530 people are currently on PADS’ waitlist, a massive increase from previous years. 

The charity matched a record 34 dogs with clients over the last year, but says it cannot keep pace with the overwhelming need. 

Some individuals are now facing an eight-year wait for an assistance dog.

"It’s a perfect storm," wrote a PADS spokesperson in a press release. "We’re seeing a dramatic increase in demand, coupled with soaring costs for veterinary care and dog food." 

Veterinary expenses jumped 50 per cent to $185,000 last fiscal year, while food costs climbed 45 per cent to $120,000.

Assistance dogs are essential tools for people with disabilities, providing independence and support in daily life. They can retrieve medication, assist wheelchair users and offer comfort to those struggling with trauma. 

The shortage means many Albertans are living without the support they need.

PADS is urgently seeking donations to expand its programs and reduce wait times.

Without additional funding, the organization warns that some people may never receive the assistance dogs they desperately require.

Assistance dog shortage

Taylor Nile has an autoimmune disorder that makes it difficult for her to navigate everyday life. A year ago, she was paired up with Dash,  a Pacific Assistance Dog Society.(PADS) companion.

The 24-year-old says it changed her life.

“He makes every day better, every situation better,"  said Nile.

“I use a wheelchair. I also use my walker, and my mobility and what I'm able to do day to day really fluctuates and changes. So Dash is able to adapt with me and support me based off of my needs, based off of each day.”

Nile waited three years after applying for a PADS dog before Dash came to her.

“It was a lot of waiting, but as soon as the waiting was done, it was a pretty smooth process," NIle said. "Now, having Dash in my life for this one year, he has changed everything for me."

 “I just feel so much happier and confident in myself, and I have hope for the future for the first time in a really long time. And I just, I want that for other people, too.”

Wait time grows

But PADS Development Coordinator, Chentel Bender says that life-changing moment when an assistance dog arrives is taking longer and impacting its ability to place assistance dogs with the people who need them.

“Right now we have 536 individuals on our wait list. PADS has raised and trained 34 dogs in 2023 which is absolutely phenomenal, but if we aren't raising and training more dogs, then that could be an eight-year wait list for people," said Bender.

“(It) means that if we don't have things in our organization changing, like more donations coming in, some people may not receive the life-changing assistance dog they need.”

Bender says PADS has seen its dramatic increase in demand hit at the same time costs for veterinary care and dog food soared. 

“We went from paying $120,000 a year in veterinarian care to now its $185,000 a year and for our food, we went from $80,000 a year to $120,000."

Essential tools

Assistance dogs are essential tools for people with disabilities, providing independence and support in daily life. They can retrieve medication, assist wheelchair users, and offer comfort to those struggling with trauma.

Bender says despite PADS being run 98 per cent by volunteers, items outside their control raise the cost of supporting each assistance dog to approximately $35,000 per animal.

PADS currently has 144 dogs working with people like Nile, and another 220 in training.

“We have volunteer trainers that come on board. They take in a tiny pup at eight weeks old, and they spend 24/7 raising that pup for the first year and a half to be the best dog it can possibly be," said Bender.

“Then dogs go into our doggie university program, and they choose the career from the four streams that we have, of mobility, PTSD, hearing or accredited facility dogs."

PADS is urgently seeking donations to expand its programs and reduce wait times. Without additional funding, the organization warns that some people may never receive the assistance dogs they desperately require.

To donate to PADS, go here.