About the Nonprofit
Visit Our Website
DogsInVests, has been training and placing service dogs with children and young adults with autism since our inception in 2017. We are currently training four service dogs that will be placed with individuals over the next 24 months. We will be adding two more puppies to the training program in Fall 2020. DogsInVests placed our first service dog with his client in July 2020.
DogsInVests is the only service dog facility specializing in the training and placement of dogs for individuals with autism in Southeastern Wisconsin. We are also the only organization placing these service dogs at no cost to the individuals or their families. In addition to training and placing service dogs, DogsInVests also facilitates awareness-building presentations that educate children and families about autism, the benefits of service dogs for individuals with autism, and how to behave around a working service dog. DogsInVests has hosted several of these presentations in local schools, churches and community organizations reaching approximately 200 individuals since our founding. While we are currently limited in our access to public spaces to host more awareness-building presentations, we look forward to engaging more with audiences when it is safe to do so. To ensure that we are reaching those who may be in need of a service dog at no cost, we engage and develop relationships with autism organizations, therapists and advocate agencies who then provide referrals to our organization.
Individuals with autism can face social communication challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors that interfere with their lives. A service dog can encourage development, provide protection from hazards, calm anxiety, and complete other traditional service dog responsibilities, such as opening doors and retrieving objects. With the help of a service dog, an individual with autism and their family can integrate more fully with their community. DogsInVests works to raise and train service dogs in a way that is customized to meet the individual’s specific needs.
