Assistance Dog Programme Application
Thank you for your interest in joining the Adolescent Dogs Assistance Dog Programme.
This application helps us understand you, your dog, and the support you hope to achieve so we can ensure the programme is suitable and provide the right guidance from the very beginning.
The information below explains what to expect during the application process and outlines the requirements for training and progressing through the programme if your application is successful.
Submitting this application does not take payment. Membership begins only after approval.
To start your application, please complete the form and upload the required documentation listed below. These documents are required before progressing to formal assessments and public access training.
1. Medical Confirmation A letter from a healthcare professional confirming your diagnosis or condition.
2. Mental Health Conditions (if applicable) If your disability relates to mental health, a supporting letter from a qualified Psychiatrist is required confirming that:
your condition meets the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability, and
a task-trained assistance dog would be beneficial.
Dogs providing emotional comfort alone are classified as emotional support dogs and are not legally recognised as assistance dogs in the UK.
3. Insurance Confirmation Proof that your dog holds third-party liability insurance. When beginning public access training, this insurance must specifically cover your dog while working as an assistance dog.
Please note: Adolescent Dogs cannot cover any costs associated with obtaining these documents.
Once your application and documentation have been received:
Your application will be reviewed by our team (usually within 24 hours).
You will be contacted to confirm whether you have been accepted to the first stage of the programme.
If you do not receive a reply, please check your spam or junk folder or contact us directly.
Congratulations — you will be offered a place within the Adolescent Dogs Assistance Dog Programme.
After joining, you will receive:
✔ Access to the Online Training Academy ✔ Guidance on where to begin training ✔ Award criteria and training pathway information ✔ Links to support groups and community resources ✔ Trainer contact details and ongoing support options
You may begin training immediately at your own pace.
Most assessments from Puppy through Gold level are completed via free video submission.
A temperament assessment is required in person once your dog reaches 9 months of age, and the Public Access Test may be taken from 18 months onwards.
Membership requires either a monthly, annual, or lifetime payment depending on the option selected.
Membership provides ongoing access to training, assessments, support, and programme resources. Monthly or annual membership continues while you wish to access assessments, wear Adolescent Dogs training equipment, and receive trainer support.
Lifetime membership is a one-off payment option.
Once membership is active, you will gain immediate access to the Online Academy and may begin working through the training criteria.
Members are expected to:
Maintain regular training progress
Share training videos for feedback and guidance when requested
Retain copies of training records as evidence of ongoing training if required
Members may use an Adolescent Dogs “Assistance Dog in Training” vest once they have:
active membership, and
successfully passed the Silver Award and Temperament Assessment.
The full Assistance Dog vest is available only after successfully passing the Public Access Test.
Only active members may use Adolescent Dogs branded equipment.
To qualify as an assistance dog within the programme:
Dogs must receive annual veterinary health checks confirming fitness to work.
Written veterinary clearance is required before taking the Gold Award and Public Access Test.
Dogs must remain physically and emotionally suited to the role throughout training.
For brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, working ability may be limited during warmer weather and some dogs may not be suited to full-time assistance roles.
If undertaking mobility or brace work, proof must be provided that the dog is fully grown and has been X-rayed and cleared by a veterinarian for this type of work.
Dogs progress through the following assessments:
Puppy Award
Bronze Award
Temperament Assessment
Silver Award
Mitigating Tasks Assessment
Gold Award
Public Access Test
Puppy through Gold assessments can be submitted via video at no additional cost.
The Public Access Test is conducted in person (within approximately 50 miles of Guildford) once the dog reaches 18 months of age.
Before taking the Public Access Test, teams must demonstrate:
Minimum 80 hours combined obedience and socialisation training
Minimum 30 hours public access training
Demonstration of trained mitigating tasks relevant to the handler’s disability
Some tasks may be submitted via video if they cannot be safely demonstrated during public assessment.
A temperament assessment must be completed before the Silver Award.
Additional assessments may be required if a dog displays concerning behaviours such as:
reactivity towards people or dogs
barking, lunging, or aggression
significant fear responses
involvement in a dog attack (as instigator or victim)
If such behaviours occur, public access training must pause until reassessment confirms suitability to continue.
Dogs must be at least 18 months old to take the Public Access Test.
Tests are recorded for assessment purposes only and will not be shared publicly without permission.
Annual re-testing is required to maintain training standards and may be completed via video submission after the first in-person test.
Public Access Tests are not legally required but help demonstrate high training standards and can assist when navigating access challenges.
There is no UK law requiring assistance dogs to be registered or certified. However, structured assessments help ensure dogs are trained to a high standard and behave appropriately in public environments.
Thank you for taking the time to complete your application. We look forward to supporting you and your dog throughout your assistance dog journey.
These companies cover: LV, Many Pets, Pet plan, Tesco, Sainbury's, Everypaws, John lewis and Agria
I accept full responsiblity if my dog causes harm or damage to themselves or someone else during my training with Adolescent Dogs.
