Service Dogs in Michigan

Canines for Change trains and places task-trained service dogs in Michigan to support individuals with disabilities. Our programs focus on medical alerts, physical assistance, and other task-based support. At this time, we do not train psychiatric service dogs.

These highly trained dogs offer safety, independence, and daily assistance, empowering children, adults, and families across Mid-Michigan and beyond.

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Man sitting with his yellow lab epilepsy service dog trained by Canines for Change.

What Is a Service Dog –
and What Do They Do?

A service dog is trained to perform at least three specific tasks that help mitigate their handler’s disability. At Canines for Change, our service dogs support individuals with medical, mobility, neurological, or developmental needs. Tasks may include:

  • Pressing an emergency button to call for help

  • Retrieving medication or a phone

  • Alerting others when their handler is in distress

  • Providing grounding support during or after a medical episode

  • Waking someone from night terrors

These dogs are not pets—they are trained partners, helping individuals navigate life with greater confidence and independence.

ABOUT THE PROCESS

Where Are Service Dogs Used?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are legally permitted in public places—including restaurants, hospitals, workplaces, schools, and public transportation.

Because of their specialized training, service dogs remain calm and focused in a wide range of environments, helping their handlers feel secure and supported wherever they go.

How Do Service Dogs Support Our Mission?

Service dogs help us fulfill our mission by offering more than daily assistance—they provide freedom, connection, and a renewed sense of possibility. These placements reduce caregiver burden, improve mobility, and support emotional well-being for people of all ages.

If you’re considering whether a service dog may be right for you or your child, we encourage you to learn more or begin the application process below.

FAQs About Service Dogs

  • Canines for Change serves individuals of all ages with physical, psychiatric, or developmental disabilities that significantly impact daily life. Applicants must be able to participate in the training process and demonstrate a supportive home environment. If the applicant is a minor, a parent or guardian must be actively involved in training and care.

  • Yes. Parents or guardians may apply for a child in their care. You will be asked to participate fully in the training and care of the dog, especially during the placement and transition process.

  • A service dog is a long-term commitment and not the right fit for everyone. We recommend visiting a training class, attending a seminar, or speaking with a current family or trainer to learn more before applying.

  • Our dogs are trained based on the specific needs of each individual. Tasks may include:

    • Mobility assistance

    • Medical or allergy alerts

    • Psychiatric support (e.g., grounding or interruption)

    • Retrieving items

    • Facility-based support for educators or therapists

  • Each dog costs over $25,000 to raise and train. Thanks to our breeding and training program, we significantly reduce that cost for families. We don’t fundraise on behalf of individuals but do offer fundraising tips and guidance.

    Families are responsible for a placement fee (discussed during intake), travel to training sessions, and ongoing care once the dog is placed in your home full time—this includes food, grooming, and veterinary services.

  • Timelines vary based on the applicant’s needs and the availability of an appropriate dog. From application approval to full placement, the process may take several months to over a year. We’ll communicate with you throughout and begin involving your family in training as early as possible.

  • We work primarily with Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers (English and American), and occasionally Golden Retrievers and Poodles—chosen for health, temperament, and trainability.

  • No. We do not train client-owned dogs due to the strict selection process required for service work.

  • Dogs are carefully matched with each applicant based on temperament, task suitability, and lifestyle fit. While applicants don’t “pick” a dog, we involve you in the process and ensure the match feels right before full placement.

  • Yes. We train dogs for a variety of public environments and will help you coordinate with school or workplace staff if needed.

  • Yes! We provide support throughout the dog’s working life. Follow-up sessions are available as needed, and all teams are required to complete annual re-certification to maintain public access status.

  • Not at this time. We do not train or place Psychiatric Assistance Dogs related to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or similar conditions.


    While we deeply respect the importance of psychiatric assistance dogs, our current programs focus on facility dogs and other service roles.