Service Dogs
Living independently can at times be both difficult and lonely for individuals with disabilities. A UDS trained service dog helps improve quality of life for both owners and their families. Service dogs enable their owners to lead happier, more independent lives. These dogs truly change people's lives for the better, instilling confidence and facilitating social interaction.Service dogs- UDS Service dogs are trained for over two years by a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals to obey and assist. These dogs help those with a variety of disabilities to live more independently by performing tasks the individual is unable to do without assistance -- basic daily tasks such as opening and closing doors, getting dressed, turning lights on and off, picking something up off the floor, balance, retrieving and delivering, and even getting something out of the refrigerator. But beyond helping to perform basic tasks, these remarkable dogs become affectionate best friends.
Companion dogs- In addition to service dogs, UDS provides companion dogs for people who may not require physical assistance, but who would benefit from the loving companionship of a specially trained dog. For example - companion dogs increase confidence and socialization for individuals, young and old, with autism or depression.
Facility dogs- UDS can also supply specially trained dogs to long-term care facilities and schools. These dogs assist physical, occupational, recreational, and social therapists in working with their clients.
Volunteers are needed
If you love dogs and appreciate the life-altering contribution service dogs make in people's lives, we have lots of ways you can help:
- Puppy Homes - Puppy Homes raise and train new puppies giving approximately 18 months of patience, time and love.
- Puppy Sitters - Puppy sitters provide much needed respite for Puppy Homes by keeping them during sitter vacations or emergencies.
- Puppy Pals - Puppy Pals assist Puppy Homes by playing with, exercising and training puppies.
- Special Events Volunteers - Assist by staffing booths at various shows, events and fundraisers.
Please click here for Puppy Sitter/Puppy Pal Questionnaire.
Senior Projects - Consider doing your community service senior volunteer project for UDS Service Dogs by raising a puppy! This rewarding project can be started in your junior year.
Financial support
The cost to train and place a dog is enormous - upwards of $20,000 - but their value to a person with a disability is priceless. To keep the dogs affordable, UDS relies on dedicated volunteers and the generous contributions of caring people and businesses throughout the community, enabling us to charge a more affordable placement fee.
Partnerships
For over 5 years, the HERSHEY Bears have teamed up with UDS to help people with disabilities through the UDS Service Dogs program. A special calendar featuring the HERSHEY Bears hockey team and UDS Service dogs is sold at all Bears home games to benefit UDS. To purchase a calendar, call UDS at 717-397-1841 or 800-995-9581
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UDS Service Dogs and the Hershey Bears:
Enhancing the Lives of People with Disabilities
Counties served in Pennsylvania:
Adams, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Montgomery, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, York
Calendar of events
Give us a call
If you are interested in applying for a service dog, or if you would like to volunteer to care for a service dog, or if you would like to make a financial contribution to this important program, please call 717-397-1841 and ask to speak to the UDS Service Dogs Program Manager.
Click here for our Service Dogs Application.
* 800-995-9581 * 717-397-1841
