Atlas Assistance Dogs

Michele and Abby, her service dog, who was rescued from a pit with her puppies

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Mission

Atlas Assistance Dogs supports people with disabilities to train their own service dogs, educates ethical trainers, strengthens the human-canine bond, and promotes a more inclusive society. We envision a world where anyone who could benefit from a service dog can have one and where individuals with disabilities and their dogs thrive.

Description

The Need

One in four U.S. adults has a disability, yet fewer than 1% have access to a service dog. High costs, long waitlists, and limited access to ethical, positive training create overwhelming barriers. Beyond training, service dog handlers often face challenges in public life that make independence even more difficult. Atlas Assistance Dogs is breaking down these barriers--because everyone who can benefit from a service dog deserves the chance to have one.

Our Work  

Amy and her service dog, CalSupporting People with Disabilities: Through our Client Certification Program, Atlas supports individuals to train their own service dogs using positive, science-based methods—fostering greater independence, confidence, and connection.

Training Ethical Service Dog Professionals: Our Trainer Academy addresses the shortage of qualified trainers by preparing professionals to work with service dog teams using only humane, force-free techniques.

Providing Accessible, Ongoing Education: Atlas provides trusted, up-to-date resources—from blogs and webinars to in-depth courses—that empower handlers, pet owners, and trainers to build strong, ethical partnerships with their dogs.

Changing Perceptions, Promoting Inclusion: We educate the public about the vital role of service dogs and advocate for more inclusive communities through outreach, collaboration, and awareness campaigns.

Indi's StoryIndi and her service dog, Otto

Indi has Tourette syndrome, an often misunderstood and highly stigmatized condition. Her world was once defined by frequent tic attacks that kept her home from school and isolated her from everyday activities. 

Despite her family’s belief that a service dog could help, they struggled to find a program or trainer that could meet her unique needs.

That’s when Atlas stepped in. Working closely with Indi, we trained Otto to help mitigate the symptoms of her Tourette’s, allowing him to work in public spaces and accompany her to school. Otto quickly became more than just a service dog—he became her lifeline. 

The results have been nothing short of transformative. Indi now misses far less school, her tic attacks have significantly decreased, and she feels more confident in public. But it doesn’t stop there—Indi is now a passionate advocate for how service dogs can change lives, just as Otto has changed hers.

You Make This Life-Changing Work Possible—Give Today!

Give today and support more people with disabilities in training their own service dogs, building lasting partnerships, and creating more inclusive communities. Every gift brings us closer to a world where service dogs are accessible to all who could benefit from them!