Application Process

Our online registration platform went live in May 2023, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience. This has been a major project, developed entirely by our dedicated volunteers in their free time alongside their full-time jobs!

If you’d like more information, please get in touch with us via phone or email. An application link will be sent to those who have spoken with us about the training programme and process. If you’re uncomfortable speaking on the phone, we’re happy for someone to call on your behalf.

Please note: submitting a full application does not automatically guarantee approval for In-Training membership.

As part of the online registration process, your doctor or psychiatrist will need to complete our downloadable questionnaire, and your veterinarian must complete our downloadable vet form. These documents become available once you’ve started your online application.

Eligibility to Apply

You do not need to be officially registered as disabled to apply. However, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Age: You must be 18 or over.
  2. Mental health diagnosis: You must have had a diagnosed mental health condition for at least 1 year, which significantly impacts your daily life.
  3. Residency: You must be a UK citizen or have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
  4. Dog eligibility:
    • Dogs must be under 3 years old when registered for the training programme.
    • Dog is not a Toy breed, Brachycephalic breed, banned breed or a breed with strong phenotypical confirmations (e.g Dachshund)
    • If your dog is over 1 year old and has no formal training (e.g., Kennel Club Good Citizen Awards, APDT Good Companion Awards, or IMDT Partnership Grades up to Level 6), they will need a behaviour assessment before an application can be started.
    • If your dog is closer to 3 years old, they will need to already hold higher-level obedience training qualifications.
    • Older dogs with formal training certifications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
    • If you do not already own a dog, please see our Dogs & Training section for guidance.
  5. Sponsor: You must have a trusted sponsor — someone who can take responsibility for your dog’s welfare if you become unwell or unable to care for them.
  6. Accommodation: You must either:
    • Own your home, or
    • Have written permission from your landlord to keep a dog.
  7. Living environment: Your home must be suitable for keeping a dog, and you must have a registered residential address.
  8. Computer / Laptop / Tablet: Our training and registration is through a secure online platform. You will need to have regular access in order to work through the training with your trainer.

About PADs Foundation

PADs Foundation helps people with long-term mental health conditions (supported by their doctor or psychiatrist) to select and train a dog to become their assistance dog.

Please note that Emotional Support and Therapy Dogs do not have public access rights.

Training typically takes up to two years and is carried out by the handler (applicant) and their qualified trainer. A minimum of one face-to-face session per month with a qualified trainer is required for all In Training members.

PADs Foundation offers guidance and support in:

  • Selecting a suitable breed and information on how to find a breeder
  • Finding an appropriate trainer
  • Meeting behaviour criteria and assessment standards

We do not accept Toy breeds, Brachycephalic breeds, banned breeds, or dogs with strong phenotypical conformations. Assistance dogs must be physically capable of performing the specific trained behaviours required to mitigate your disability.

Membership and Training Progression

If your application is successful, you and your dog will become In Training Members of PADs Foundation.

During this stage, you will not have public access rights until your dog has:

  • Passed the Public Access Standards test, and
  • Demonstrated at least three task-related behaviours relevant to your condition.

As In Training Members, you and your trainer will follow the PADs In Training Guide to work towards Public Access Standards. Please note that not all dogs will successfully reach the high level of training required. PADs will provide ONE In Person PAT test at your location (where possible). Any retest will need to be completed in Bristol.

Once you have passed the PADs Public Access Test (PAT) and your dog consistently performs the required mitigating behaviours, you will gain public access rights under the Equality Act 2010.

At this point, you may apply for Full PADs Membership, which includes:

  • A made-to-measure PADs harness (optional for identification; not a legal requirement)
  • Membership cards
  • Ongoing access to our support network

To maintain full membership, your dog must have:

  • An annual veterinary check (using our PADs form), and
  • An annual behaviour assessment

Fees and Contributions

  • There is no fee to register as an In Training Member.
  • A contribution of £30 is requested per Public Access Test (PAT).
  • On successful completion of the PAT, a £30 annual membership fee applies to cover the cost of the harness, new ID cards, and postage.

Trainers and Support

PADs Foundation is run by a small team of dedicated volunteers. As we are still in the early stages of growth, we cannot yet provide volunteer trainers to all applicants.

If a PADs volunteer trainer is not available in your area, you will need to fund your own training. Costs vary depending on the trainer.

We provide a Find a Trainer Guide to help you identify suitable professionals, and we will continue to support both you and your trainer throughout the process.