Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc.
Ranked #23 in Phoenix and #84 in Arizona
Service area: Arizona
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Service Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Working Dog
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Large
- Sporting
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
Power Paws focuses on training assistance dogs in three main areas: Mobility Assistance, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS/PTSD) for civilians and veterans, and Diabetic Alert. Mobility Assistance dogs perform tasks such as turning lights on/off, opening/closing doors, retrieving dropped items, untying shoelaces, and removing clothing. PTSS/PTSD service dogs are trained to calm handlers, help with stressful situations, or wake them from night terrors. Diabetic Alert dogs are trained to alert diabetic adults and children to changes in their glucose levels.
The organization also offers Specialized Training Programs, including Facility Dogs that assist crime victims and witnesses in legal proceedings, working with professionals in the legal system. The “Empowering Intrepid Warriors” program is specifically for veterans, offering service dog training for Type I Diabetes, PTSD, or Mobility Dogs, as well as opportunities to volunteer in training dogs for veterans or to intern as a canine trainer. The “Just For Kids” program provides Literacy, Reading, and Life Skills support for at-risk, Title 1 students aged 8-17, utilizing assistance dogs in classroom activities.
The client matching and training process takes approximately 12 to 16 months from application acceptance. This includes a six-month “Client Readiness” process to prepare clients to handle a service dog, followed by a three-week in-person training period. A six-month “Aftercare” period is provided to ensure the canine is a good fit and to address any challenges. Ongoing training is provided for the life of the canine at no additional cost after placement. Power Paws also has a “Community Ambassadors” program for dogs that do not meet service dog standards, placing them in mission-driven environments or loving homes for Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) or as companions.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
After placement, Power Paws provides ongoing training for the life of the canine at no additional cost.
About the Trainer
Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing highly skilled assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Their mission also includes offering education and ongoing support for working assistance dog teams, and serving as a community resource for people with disabilities.
The organization was incorporated in 2001 and holds a 501(c)3 designation. Power Paws is fully accredited by Assistance Dogs International, being one of only two agencies in Arizona accredited to place dogs in specialized areas. They utilize science-based positive reinforcement clicker training and strive to use force-free methods to ensure dogs work happily and voluntarily.
Power Paws breeds and trains Golden and Labrador Retrievers, which undergo extensive health testing including hip and elbow x-rays, OFA or PennHip testing, and heart and eye clearances by canine specialists. They offer various programs, including training for Mobility Assistance, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSS/PTSD) for both civilians and veterans, and Diabetic Alert dogs.
Specialized training programs include Facility Dogs, which assist crime victims and witnesses in legal settings. The “Empowering Intrepid Warriors” program is specifically for veterans, offering service dog training, opportunities to volunteer in training dogs for other veterans, or internships to become a canine trainer. The “Just For Kids” program focuses on Literacy, Reading, and Life Skills for at-risk, Title 1 students aged 8-17, using assistance dogs in classroom activities.
Additionally, Power Paws has a “Community Ambassadors” program for dogs in training that do not meet their high medical or temperament standards for service dog placement. These dogs are placed in mission-driven environments or loving homes where they can support Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in various settings like autism programs, art galleries, libraries, reading programs, or veterans homes, or simply as companions. The organization also seeks puppy raisers and sitters for their pups. After placement, Power Paws provides ongoing training for the life of the canine at no additional cost.
Accomplishments
Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc. was incorporated in 2001 and has received its 501(c)3 designation. The organization is fully accredited by Assistance Dogs International, being one of only two agencies in Arizona with this accreditation for placing specialized assistance dogs.
The executive team includes Elaine L. Starks, Executive Director, with over 20 years of expertise in nonprofit philanthropy; Patricia Coyle, Associate Director, holding a Masters in Management (Non Profit/Creative Arts); Jamie Smith, Director of Training and Placement; and Ida Deleon, Project Manager and Trainer Education, who is CPDT-KA certified and has over 30 years of experience working with people with disabilities, including service dog training since 2015. Susan Kryn, Volunteer Coordinator, has over 26 years of experience in Volunteer Services Administration and holds a Master’s in theology and a Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services designation. The Board of Directors includes professionals such as a CPA, a Veterinarian (DVM, CVA, CVS, CCRP), and a Retired Intel Executive.
How to Get Started!
To apply for an assistance dog, prospective clients are required to submit an application to help Power Paws ensure the best match for their needs and personality. The application process may seem tedious, but it is designed to result in a service dog trained to empower for independence. An “Applicant Placement Process and General Information” document is available for download.
For those interested in a “Community Ambassador” dog, availability can be checked by calling 480-970-1322 or emailing servicedoginfo@azpowerpaws.org. The selection process for Community Ambassadors is based on the suitability of the dog’s needs, a mission-focused placement serving disabled children or adults, and the best fit for both the dog and the prospective environment. This includes an evaluation of the prospective placement, consideration of other pets in the home, and assessment of the Community Ambassador’s temperament for the environment.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Morning
- Afternoon
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
Associations
- Accredited
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog breeder