Retiring your assistance dog

Saying goodbye to your assistance dog’s working days can be a big moment and it’s one that deserves love and celebration. After all, they’ve been your teammate, helper, and best friend through it all! 🐾 Retirement isn’t the end, but a new chapter full of naps, cuddles, and well-earned rest.

Sometimes retirement happens because your dog is getting older or needs a slower pace, but other times it’s simply because your own needs have changed and that’s okay too. Sometimes the dog’s enjoyment of the public access ‘assistance’ job dissipates and that’s okay too. Depending on your disability, you might no longer need an assistance dog to support your day-to-day life, and that’s something to be proud of. 💛

This article: Paving the Path Toward Retirement for Assistance Animals shares some lovely insights into making the transition gentle and positive for both you and your dog. With a bit of planning and plenty of heart, you can help your faithful partner enjoy their retirement from AD work with all the comfort and care they’ve given you.