Huge demand in B.C. for autism service dogs

A companion dog  can have a profoundly calming influence on children with autism.

Fifteen-year-old Matthew and his service dog Chalmers share a close bond. Mother Joey Hsieh says the relationship between Chalmers and Matthew has changed her autistic son’s life.

“Somehow Chalmers just calms him,” Hsieh said.

Matthew,  who is also deaf and visually impaired, waited three years for a service dog, which can cost about $35,000 to breed and train.

With approximately one in 68 children diagnosed with autism, the demand for service dogs like Chalmers is skyrocketing.

“We have a large enough number on the wait-list now that we’re not actually taking new applications at the moment,” said Bill Thornton of BC Guide Dog Services. “We’re trying to whittle down the wait-list and we’ve got some families that have waited almost four years for training.”

Hsieh feels fortunate that BC Guide Dogs supplied Matthew with Chalmers.

Those interested in helping with the training of service dogs like Chalmers can visit the BC Guide Dogs website.