Service dog for
youth with ASD
Benefits of a service dog
Research conducted by Mira and several partner universities demonstrates the multiple benefits that a service dog can bring to the life of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD):
Reduction of stress and anxiety;
Improvement in sleep quality;
Development of language and communication skills;
Increased social interactions.
Program objectives
Promote the child’s development and increase their autonomy;
Support and provide parents with tools for daily caregiving;
Contribute to research to advance knowledge and practices related to children with ASD.
Eligibility Criteria
Be between 5 and 21 years old;
Show an interest in dogs;
Have significant needs at home and during outings (beyond what a pet dog could meet);
Demonstrate certain skills related to managing a dog, or the potential to develop them;
Have a living environment suitable for receiving an assistance dog;
Be a resident of Canada.
Apply now
To submit your application, you must:
Provide a recent diagnostic evaluation report issued by a professional;
Confirm the absence of dog allergies in the household;
Confirm the absence of another dog in the home at the time of assignment;
Provide parental consent (or proof in the case of a single parent);
Be able to never leave the dog alone and always include it in daily activities (including at the responsible parent’s workplace);
Be able to cover the annual costs of caring for the dog (estimated at approximately $3,500/year, according to AMVQ).
Program process
The process begins with an expression of interest and the submission of an application accompanied by the required documents mentioned, including the ASD diagnostic assessment report.
Mira's clinical team analyzes each case to ensure that the assistance dog is the best solution for the needs of the young person and their family.
An assessment visit is conducted at Mira's home to observe the young dog, evaluate its needs, level of independence, and interest in the dog. The parents are present during this visit.
The file is then analyzed by a multidisciplinary clinical committee which confirms eligibility for the program.
Once accepted, the child and at least one parent will be invited to participate in a 9-day class at Mira. This intensive training, consisting of approximately 8 families, requires continuous involvement from the accompanying parent.
Mira provides free accommodation and meals for the child and their accompanying parents for the entire duration of the stay. In the case of separated families, the participation of both parents is required when they share custody or have access rights.
Note: Mira does not conduct pre-pairing or at-home assignments.
Once the class is complete, an instructor will visit the beneficiary’s home within the following days to ensure a safe and smooth integration into their daily environment.
Each year, the duo is re-evaluated to ensure the young person can manage the dog safely and independently. A refresher class may be offered if needed to reinforce specific skills.
The retirement age of an assistance dog varies depending on the tasks it performs, but it generally occurs around 10 years of age, depending on several factors. Mira provides support during this stage.
Typically, the dog is first offered to a member of the beneficiary’s close circle. If keeping the dog is not possible, it is offered to its original foster family, and as a last resort, to a loving new family from the general public.
If the beneficiary's needs remain, a new assessment is carried out to determine eligibility for a future match.
Commitments and responsibilities of the beneficiary
Adopting a service dog means committing to care for it with respect and consistency.
This includes:
Annual veterinary care and keeping its vaccination record up to date;
A balanced diet and adequate rest;
Time for play and physical activity, essential for its well-being;
Adhering to Mira’s annual follow-up program.
Our multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals
Behind every successful team is a dedicated staff that ensures the program’s success and the well-being of
each human–dog pair.
Instructor: Trains the dogs and ensures the pairing with the beneficiary, and develops the duo’s skills.
Social Counselor: Typically trained in psychoeducation, the social counselor accompanies beneficiaries throughout the process, supporting emotional and relational adaptation with the dog.
Clinical Advisor: Supports social counselors and instructors by helping analyze sensitive situations and make careful decisions regarding the well-being of human–dog teams. They provide a clinical perspective to promote ethical interventions and ensure the quality and fairness of the guide and assistance dog programs.
Representative of the beneficiaries
As the representative of the ASD program beneficiaries, Catherine serves as the spokesperson for users at Mira. She is available to answer their questions, listen to their concerns, and receive complaints, offering compassionate support while ensuring she fully understands each situation. She then conveys this information to the Beneficiaries’ Committee, which forwards it to the Board of Directors so that the voices of families and ASD participants are heard and contribute to the continuous improvement of services.
"For many years, Mira has been an important support for my family. Being involved as the representative of the ASD program is my way of giving back by sharing my experience with beneficiaries, offering them reassuring guidance, and making their voices heard at the foundation."
- Catherine Deschâtelets
Mother of an Assistance cog program for youth with ASD beneficiary
Testimony
