Excellent Agency. Everything they say they are and more. Very professional staff and trainers. Changing the lives of families and creating greater independence.
My daughter fostered 3 dogs. The attention to detail in training, placement, care and feeding, is first class. I've seen the difference it has made in lives. Cannot say enough positive remarks about all involved. Tremendous leadership, caring and love.
They do a wonderful job placing dogs with children. They care about their families even after you have gone home with the service dog from training...they stay in touch...you are not a number remember you
4 Paws for Ability brought clarity and hope to an overwhelming situation after our son was first diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We learned of their Autism Service Dogs, and immediately joined their organization and began doing our part to help them raise and train a service dog for our son. Even more amazing is the community surrounding 4 Paws and their generosity and help!
Iraq Veteran suffering from PTSD. I couldn't leave my home because I would have a panic/anxiety attack. My service dog from 4-Paws saved my life!! I f not for them, I would be just another statistic of Veteran's who commit suicide.
I love to donate to a great cause. Currently am also puppy raising a Papillon destined for the service dog program. Can't wait to see some lucky child with one of these great dogs.
My daughter is the recipient of a 4 paws mobility service dog and we could not be more thankful to this organization! Excel has changed our lives in so many ways- she can go into public now free from anxiety and fear because he is at her side. He assists her with many tasks and helps her make friends (she would otherwise be stared at or ignored completely.) We love 4 Paws for Ability!!!
My oldest son has received two service dogs from 4 Paws for Ability. They literally changed his life. He has made so many improvements that would not have been possible without his service dogs. His level of independence is so much greater than I imagined when I first turned in his application. This organization truly does wonderful things!
This organization has changed my son's life and our family! We now have peace of mind that my son is safe. Thank you 4 Paws for Ability!
I love this organization! I have had 3 dogs from there that I have socialize! Love what they stand for!
This organization literally gave the world to my son. Due to anxiety and sensory issues resulting from autism my son could rarely go out and enjoy things like other children. It got to the point where we couldn't go even to the grocery store. After getting his dog and doing our training at 4 Paws 5 years ago my son became much more comfortable going places now actually enjoys travel. He now has friends and is enjoying many of the same activities other teens enjoy. We believe so much in this organization that we volunteer for them when we can. We have seen so many lives changed for the better!
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We recieved an autism assistance dog from this organization in 2010 for my 11 year old son with high functioning autism. It has been an incredible experience. Our dog has been trained to calm him, accompany him where ever we go and to track him if he runs away. In the year that we have had her she has done all of those things and more. 4 Paws has worked with us every step of the way and offers their support whenever we need it. Not only do they do an incredible service by training the dogs and handlers, but they do it with such caring and understanding. We are so blessed to have an organization like 4 Paws for Ability close by. We continue to volunteer for them in small ways as well - there are so many families in need.
I can not say thank-you to 4paws enough for our service dog Tinkerbell. She has saved my daughter's life on more then one ocassion. She is also my daughter's best friend!!
This organization listens to many parents stories, stood beside us thru blood, sweat, and tears as we work together to fill a gaping hole in the lives of our children. They are always available to lend a helping hand, offer word of encouragement and advice. I can't wait to meet and hug in person all those who pour their lives into ours.
My daughter received her service dog in January 2016. The 4 Paws trainers are awesome! Our dog, Toby, is a perfect match for my daughter. After placement, help is always available if needed, and you are forever a part of the extremely supportive 4 Paws family. I am so blessed to have found 4 Paws for Ability!
We will be receiving our daughter's service dog from 4 Paws for Ability next month, in August 2016. What makes them stand out from all other organizations like them in the industry is that they offer the opportunity to obtain a service dog for a child with Autism, and they make it possible for a service dog team to operate with success. 4 Paws for Ability offers support and a family network starting before the application process all the way past the life span of your furry family member. It is truly amazing to see how everyone helps each other and to hear how involved the staff is! I just know we picked the right place to get my daughter's dog, and I cannot wait to experience the "4 Paws magic".
9/1/16: We did experience "4 Paws Magic", and it was more than in the form of getting my daughter's service dog and seeing their bond start to form. 4 Paws for Ability does things differently than other service dog organizations, but they do it with purpose.
From the beginning they involve you in the process with the fundraising. You become a volunteer and a partner in making the service dog dream a reality. I took that time, and the time while waiting for our class, to learn everything I could about the organization, the dogs, and Karen Shirk. I was (still am) beyond impressed. I also had become a part of their family support network and got to know many of the families in various stages of the process, including fosters and breeder families.
Once arriving at training class, the real magic happened. Yes, the dog was amazing and learning how he worked was fantastic! Watching him bond with my daughter was heartwarming and made all the work worthwhile. But the most magical part of the whole experience was the interactions with the families and how the dogs & 4 Paws made that possible! The trainers were phenomenal and so supportive!
We've watched families foster dogs in 4Paws training program. This not only trains the dogs preparing them for service but also teaches Leadership skills and respobility to the youth involved.
If 4 Paws didn't exist, my daughter wouldn't be alive. Her amazing service dog has saved her life more times than I can count. His training and ours was spot on!! I can't rave and shout about how awesome the support, assistance and love from 4 paws is.
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Seriously LOVE this place. We have been matched with my daughters seizure alert dog for 4 years. To say he's amazing isn't giving enough credit. He's perfectly trained and his personality is so awesomely matched to my daughters that I couldn't have chosen a better dog for her. I have 24/7 support, an open line to trainers, volunteers and other parents anytime I need it. The community and love you feel at 4 Paws is second to none. There is no place I would have chosen other than 4 Paws. I did over a years research before I settled on them, and can truly say they are the best of the best. I will continue to support 4 Paws and when Kyto is retired we will be going back for our next service dog.
I have been involved with 4 Paws as a volunteer for a number of years. I am constantly impressed with the care and treatment of their animals from training puppies to their breeding program. They have a facility completely dedicated to their breeders and puppies which is monitored extremely closely.
In addition, what this organization does for the community is amazing. They train service dogs for people who would find life very difficult without them. These are quality dogs that are highly trained to accomplish very specific and needed tasks.
While the CEO is VERY involved with the day-to-day operations, she has also wisely surrounded herself with employees who are the best at what they do. When out in public with a training dog, I have heard no shortage of positive comments about these dogs. This is one organization that I am, without reservation, proud to be a part of and will continue to support 4 Paws for Ability as long as I am able to do so.
I have worked first hand with 4PAWS and the work they do for the children and veterans is amazing. Not to mention the outreach that they do to the local colleges and communities to help wherever they can.
4 Paws is the absolute best thing that ever happened for my daughter. There is simply no other organization that is so dedicated to the needs of special needs kiddos and veterans like 4 Paws.
We received our son's service dog in March 2016. He's very well trained and incredibly sweet. He was a great fit for our family. Training was wonderful and the staff make you feel like family and care about you and are even accessible after you come home with your dog.
4 Paws Magic is real. We have had our service dog for our son since 2014. Since then, this organization has been supportive before, during, and after the process. I say process because it is exactly that. To add a cute, four- legged friend to your family would be easy, but to add a fully trained service dog that is the best fit for your family and special needs child is amazing! 4 Paws for Ability is a life changing organization that helps families worldwide.
This is not just an amazing non profit that changes the lives of children but it's a family built on empathy toward one another. The connections I have made through 4 paws will forever change my families lives.
They have been nothing short of amazing. Can not wait to receive my sons service dog in February 2018!
Words that come to mind when thinking of 4 Paws for Ability: Compassion, Concern, Quality, Perfection, Success, Life, Freedom, Love, and this list could go on and on. 4 Paws trained a service dog for our 5 boys, all who either wander or run. Camelot is AMAZING at tracking any one of our five boys. This is truly a miracle!
My 9 year old son has intractable epilepsy. He has suffered with this disease since he was 6
Months old.
We have tried medications, surgery, diet changes, and nothing was helping. We decided maybe a service dog would help us be able to watch for seizures.
Enter 4 Paws for Ability:
Through 4 paws, my son was matched with a lovely golden/lab mix named Ponyo. She alerts to seizures for us, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
She also serves as a security blanket at the hospital, provides unconditional friendship, and helped bridge the gap between my son and his peers. This dog brought friends to my son. He never had a single friend before Ponyo came to live with us.
Not only does Ponyo alert toseizures, but she stays with my son until he wakes up. I fully believe she has saved his life more than once.
I would highly recommend 4 Paws for Ability to anyone out there with a special needs child.
4Paws does an amazing dog training special dogs to help kiddos that need support. The work they do is life changing for many families.
4 Paws trained our dog to help my three adopted children with special needs. She has alerted to countless seizures, found my little boy when he wandered off in a busy children's museum, broken my older son's self injury cycle, and seen my little girl travel the terrifying and painful road of her progressive illness. Our service dog, Fantasy, is the reason we got to go to the ocean; she's why I can sleep at night but she's my sick little girl's best friend and confidence with fur on. 4 Paws doesn't help families, they complete them.
4 Paws is beyond 5 stars. My daughter getting her service dog in 2009 was the most incredible thing. The peace of mind and the Independence it has given my daughter over the years, is something I thought I'd never see. Everyone at 4 Paws is amazing, passionate, and so helpful. Thank you is not enough for Karen and everyone at 4 Paws.
Receiving our son's service dog was life changing for our family. For the first time in 13 years we were able to go to events and activities as a whole family! Previously it was one parent at the event and one parent at home with our son who has a disability because he could not handle the sensory overload or the difficult transitions or the time the event took. His safety was compromised as he would elope during stressful events.
4 Paws has been incredible! They truly helped my son feel confident and enjoy his life. I highly recommend them. Staff is amazing and the dogs are second to none.
They are amazing!! All that they do! My daughter is getting a service dog in October and Karen and the staff has treated us beyond amazing. nothing but great things.. They change lives!!
I love 4 paws and hope my son gets his dog soon! 4 paws trains their dogs tailored to the needs of the person that will be using them. Great organization!
We obtained a medical alert (seizure) /multipurpose mobility task trained dog for our daughter from 4 Paws for Ability. The fund raising and wait time required is absolutely worth it. The support system this agency provides...from the staff to the families being there for each other...is something I have never experienced. Absolutely wonderful organization.
I am a college foster for 4paws, meaning I raise a new service dog in training each semester. I am currently raising my third puppy and cannot speak more highly of 4paws. 4paws really cares about their dogs and the kids they give them to. Although some of the rules and procedures surrounding the fostering process may seem rigid they are put in place to insure their dogs' safety. Volunteering for this organization has changed my life. I love all three of the dogs I have fostered and seeing photos of them and communicating with the families and kids who receive them has been an amazing experience. Every organization has its problems and I think the bad reviews of 4paws that are out there are from people who have not given 4paws a chance. Their new facility is a testament to their hard work and the vision they have for providing exceptional care for their dogs and an amazing facility for families to come to when they go through training with the dogs.
Review from Guidestar
We received our sons autism service dog in October of 2014. Our lives have changed for the better. Shopping trips, field trips, and speech have all been improved experiences for my son. 4 paws is dedicated to providing the best trained service dog for your child's specific needs. The staff and family that is gained is priceless. We have been truly blessed.
The staff at 4 Paws for Ability truly work with families to answer questions and assist families through the process! We are very excited to be partnering with 4 Paws for Ability to get our daughter an Autism Assistance Service dog!
I just received my son's service dog. He is a hearing ear and autism service dog. He also tracks him when he wanders away. I want to say this. I researched EXTENSIVELY before I chose 4paws. I had to really want this. Lots of entry paperwork, lots of referrals, lots of fundraising. They do not just hand out dogs like candy. They also make sure you have ALL the tools to be successful service dog owners and handlers. These dogs are loved from day one. Every one who comes into contact with these dogs love them. He could not be the dog he is if he was not loved and cared for from day one. Even the dogs that do not make it to become service dogs are adopted out to only approved families. First and foremost 4 paws loves their dogs. Then they love their families. You become a part of a family when you receive your service dog. The love and acceptance you feel in the room as a parent of a special needs child......it is a miracle in and of itself. Most of us do not take our children out in public. You never feel judged or lacking. What you do feel is love and understanding and SUPPORT! Our service dog is a MIRACLE in our family. A miracle that all the people involved with 4 paws gave to us. A gift that is immeasurable. Thank you from the depth of my soul.
Very few agencies place dogs with children; even less place them with families with multiple children with disabilities. Imagine my shock when I inquired with the head of 4 Paws about a seizure and sensory dog for my daughter and she said, wouldn't you like your dog to help your other kids too? Let me tell you, our dog has changed our entire lives. She has found my son who slipped away from his grandmother at a museum, she has warned us of seizures, she stopped my oldest son from picking his skin until it bleeds but, most of all, she provides calm, love and security at home and at doctor/dentist appointments. She absolutely exceeds all of our wildest dreams.
You do have to fundraise for 4 Paws but you don't go at it alone. You also have to wait a while for your dog. Finally, you have to train there for 2 weeks. You have to be committed. However, it is worth every effort. Our lives are so much better with our beautiful 4 Paws Dog.
In addition to a dog who meets every expectation and more, 4 Paws for Ability provides us support and a network of friendships that so many families don't have. I couldn't recommend them more highly, in fact, 3 of our closest family friends have hotten dogs there since meeting ours. 4Paws changes lives and are more than deserving of your support.
Review from Guidestar
This organization has integrity and cares for their dogs and trains them in a positive manner that prepares them to be excellent service dogs for the people they eventually assist.
We are about to receive our second 4 Paws dog. The care and attention to detail - the detailed preparation to receive a dog and the well-being of the children and dogs is upper-most in the minds and hearts of this nonprofit. They have an exceedingly hard job but do it well. We would never consider going to any other organization because of the attention to the specific needs of the child (our child).
Their President / CEO / Executive director is an exceedingly amazing human being who has come up with with smart and creative ways to meet the needs of the ever-expanding population 4 Paws serves. She does it with enthusiasm for the job and empathy for the clients she serves --- Nonprofit growth and management is difficult. 4 Paws is an organization that has an excellent mission placing service dogs with an under-served population. Their integrity is impeccable and in accordance with the highest industry standards. We feel blessed and thankful we are part of their family.
Our daughter already has a 4 Paws dog that has served her exceptionally well for almost 10 years. He is slowing down quite a bit now and ready to retire. We are very thankful that 4 Paws allowed us to help raise awareness and funds so we might have another placement specifically trained for our child. We are also thankful that once retired her service dog will live out the rest of his life with us.
I agree that when one donates to a charity, they should vet it to be sure they want their money to go for a good cause. I work in nonprofit management. Anyone who works in the nonprofit arena can spot this amazing organization for what it is - excellent. I believe you couldn't put your tax deductible dollars to better use - We watched 4 Paws grow over the years and visited a year ago when we started to think about the next dog - the only changes we saw were that these folks just keep fine tuning their operation; doing things better and better for the benefit of their clients.
Thank you 4 Paws - words can't really articulate what you mean to our family.
Review from Guidestar
We did our research and found out that 4 Paws for Ability if the best agency world wide. That is why we have chosen them. The knowledge and support from the staff is excellent, I would highly suggest them.
Review from Guidestar
This 4 Paws group is amazing! I have had contact and worked with them for more than 8 years. The need for these dogs is so great because of the magic they provide. Karen, Jeremy, Jennifer and all the staff and volunteers are amazing. They actually care about the children and Veterans and their families. The dogs are checked for physical and mental problems. They started out using rescues and found the success rate was so much better with a breeding program. The pups are started at day 1 to become a companion and work dog. Over the past 16 years they have placed 800 dogs, changed 800 plus lives. Changed for the better prison inmates, volunteers and staff. Yes there are issues at times. The law of averages is always there. But if there is a problem they strive to correct it. They are open about everything. Go to their facebook page or web page to find out how you can help this wonderful organization it is well worth a visit!
We got our first service dog from 4 paws in 2011. He was an awesome dog and his bond with my daughter was unbreakable. He would comfort her after a seizure, help her pick up her toys (seriously, he would even put them in the toy box), he was her constant companion and best friend...in dec 2013 he passed away due to an intestinal perforation... 4 paws immediately offered us a new dog (we still had to wait the amount of time it takes to train them, the same amount of time any other family would have waited if they had just finished fundraising). They never once asked us to raise any more money... This company CARES about us... They care about our kids...and they care about their dogs... Karen could have required us to fundraise the amount it takes to train a new dog...but she didn't... She knew how utterly devastated we were and she knew how much my daughter needed her dog. We have a new dog now that has taken up right where our old one left off. I was worried that no dog could ever replace our first one.. But that was never the case.. These dogs have so much love and devotion to give.... You can't to wrong with 4 paws... There's also a wonderful support group for families that means the world to us parents... 4 paws is in this for the right reasons. They deserve every donation they ever get.
Review from Guidestar
We received our sons service dog over a year ago! The best decision we ever made. 4paws is the best organization around not only for what there dogs can do but u also get love and support, the trainers are very knowledgeable and very genuine on making there placement to make a good service dog team when u go home. I would and do definitely recommend 4paws.
Review from Guidestar
I've been to this facility and its SPOTLESS!! the dogs are loved, exercised multiple times a day and played with routinely to prevent over training. They are placed with fosters after a rigorous screening process and training. Every trainer isn't just an experienced trainer, they have to learn the exact way 4 Paws trains before they can work with the dogs. This nonprofit has grown leaps and bounds over the last several years because of their high success rate, excellent support care and honesty with matches. Word travels in the special needs community, if this wasn't the best of the best, everyone would know it.
Delmar came to our home August of 2013 and he is exactly what our son needed. 4 Paws is absolutely amazing as they selected and trained the perfect SD for our son based on his needs. They are very thorough, so therefore the process can be time consuming, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Everyone was great, but Jeremy, the head trainer stands out as you can tell this is his absolute passion in life -- not just a routine 9 to 5 job. They do not hand you a dog and say "Here you go". They provided a highly trained service dog trained task specific for our son and provided us in depth training on how to handle and care for him. Jeremy is a simple phone call away should we need help as is anyone at 4 Paws, even though they are extremely busy training both dogs and their handlers. I cannot tell you how much Delmar has done for our son and the peace of mind we have knowing he has our sons best interest at heart 24 hours a day. I honestly can't say enough about 4 Paws, but I am honored for them to be part of our family and just want to simply say Thank You 4 Paws!
Review from Guidestar
I did my homework and this was the organization that we chose!!!! My son has Down Syndrome. We looked into other agencies and was actually turned down as we were told my son didn't meet their criteria. I spoke directly to Karen Shirk multiple times and she assured me that my son did qualify for a service dog. I am so lucky to have found 4 Paws. We received our dog over 2 years ago and our lives have been changed forever. I have also gained a huge 4 Paws extended family and still keep in contact with my class members along with Chevy's fosters and other people within the organization. Whenever I need help, the trainers are there. My family even adopted one of the dogs that didn't make it through training and they are thrilled with her. I would highly recommend this organization... You will not regret your decision. Wish I could give it a 10!!!!!!!
Review from Guidestar
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Where do I begin? Did a major amount of research before choosing 4 Paws for Ability. I did many searches on the internet, talked to present clients that received dogs and spoke candidly with Karen Shirk in regards to any concerns or questions I had. I was happy, but when we attended class, we got so much more than I expected. We continue to get support from the trainers and I know I made the right choice. My child was turned down my Canine Companions for Independence and now, looking back I'm so happy that they did. The dog we received from 4 Paws for Ability was trained specially for my son. I would recommend this organization over and over again.
Review from Guidestar
We received my son's service dog in October 2014 from 4 Paws. They are simply the best. Employees, volunteers and Karen herself are wonderful, caring people who love the dogs and care deeply about the children they help. My son's dog is so well trained and couldn't be a more perfect fit for him. They love each other and we love what she has brought to out family. She brings a level of security that we've never had. It's wonderful to go in public without worrying that my son will slip my grasp and run. I just tether them and we are on our way!! And if he does escape, his dog can track him. She is an awesome tracker!! I love 4 Paws and will recommend them to anyone in need of a service dog. When you join the 4 Paws family, that's just what you are, a family! You get a network of people who understand the struggles of daily life with a child with disabilities. They have advice for almost any problem. It's so great!! We love 4 Paws and and are so thankful they chose to give my son his perfect match!!!
I volunteer with 4 Paws as a puppy raiser and we house a breeder. The trainers are always avaliable to answer my questions and give support. In my dealings I have found them to be above reproach. I will work with and support 4 paws as long as I am able.
Review from Guidestar
I have received not 1 but 2 service dogs for my children from this organization. Each child has a different disability and the one child relies too heavily on his dog to share. The support you get is second to none, anytime you need help they are more than happy to help. They care about every family and love the service dogs. Never have I felt so comfortable or accepted as with 4 paws for ability. Both service dogs are incredible and sound service dogs. We were so happy with the first service dog we went back a couple of years later for a service dog for my other child. That's how good they are. It's a great organization that cares about the whole family service dog included. They have become like family to us and so great full we found them. I found them to be extremely helpful in every aspect of getting, caring for, and public access of having a service dog. Highly recommend.
Review from Guidestar
We received a service dog from 4 Paws in December and the difference this pup has made in my grandsons life is amazing. Dot is nothing but a top notch service dog, healthy and happy. She knows all of her commands and is a very loving gentle dog, dedicated to her boy. The CEO has been nothing but kind and giving to us and other families. The trainers, staff and volunteers are the cream of the crop and know their dogs. Our graduating class was pleased with the services we received from 4 Paws and still to this day consider the 4 Paws family our family!
This organization has changed our lives! They trained and placed the most amazing dog with my son. She is his best friend and can also save his life. Who could want more than that? During our two weeks of training I felt love and support like I have not felt anywhere else in my life. After returning from training the support continues as they help us adjust to life with our service dog. Everyone in the organization that we have dealt with has integrity, kindness, and compassion, and we are forever thankful for all of them. They adore their dogs and make sure they all end with a placement that is best for them, whether they are placed as a service dog or are adopted as a pet. We also decided to volunteer for them and foster a puppy, and it was one of the best experiences of our lives. I love this organization!!
We received our son's service dog, Bo, from 4 Paws for Ability in 2010. We could not be more pleased with our dog's training and the support we've received over the years from 4 Paws. It's an incredible organization and one I'm proud to be associated with. Year after year, I speak at local events here in NJ to spread the word about the fantastic service dogs that 4 Paws provides and how they can help disabled children. Children who are afraid of dogs at the beginning of my speech are usually cuddled up next to Bo by the end. A++++ organization!
Review from Guidestar
