Infinity Dogs CIC Assistance Dog Program: What Happens After Qualification?

Once you have qualified, there is an annual fee of £40 for gear hire and reassessment. This fee ensures that you have access to the necessary equipment and that we can periodically assess the effectiveness of your partnership.

The reassessment process includes several components. Firstly, you will retake our Public Access Test (PAT) annually. This test evaluates your dog and handler team’s ability to work happily in public across a range of scenarios. It ensures that you and your assistance dog are maintaining the necessary skills and behaviors to navigate various environments.

Additionally, we will conduct a review to ensure that there are no significant concerns regarding house manners, husbandry, and general welfare. This may include an annual vet check to ensure your dog’s health and well-being. If any concerns are identified, we will provide guidance and support, and if necessary, connect you with relevant support networks.

In addition to the reassessment, qualified partnerships have the opportunity to access up to 30 training hours per year. There are two payment options for this: £10 per month or £120 per year. These training hours are designed to help you and your assistance dog continue to grow and develop as a team.

Of the 30 training hours, at least 10 must be dedicated to specialist scenario-based training days. These training sessions are focused on preparing you and your dog for specific situations that you may encounter in real-life scenarios. The remaining hours can be used for public access refreshers, problem-solving, or general life skills training. You can choose to participate in these training sessions on a one-on-one basis or as part of a group.

It’s important to note that each training session must be at least 2 hours long, unless there are medical reasons that make it unsuitable for longer sessions. This ensures that we have sufficient time to address your training needs effectively.

Furthermore, qualified partnerships have access to a 30-minute fortnightly call with a trainer if needed. This allows you to seek guidance, ask questions, or discuss any concerns that may arise during your journey as an assistance dog team.

At Infinity Dogs CIC, we are committed to providing ongoing support and training to our qualified partnerships. We believe that continued learning and development are key to maintaining a strong and successful partnership. With our reassessment process, access to training hours, and regular communication with trainers, we aim to ensure that you and your assistance dog thrive in your roles.

We are excited to continue this journey with you and support you every step of the way. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for assistance dog partnerships.