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K9 Helpers is an organization based in Guelph Ontario devoted to training and placing service dogs with people living with mental illness in the Guelph Wellington area. We were founded in 2001 in response to the needs of one person who needed a service dog. After training and placing our first dog, we have developed, grown and formalized our organization to where we are today. As of summer 2009, we are registered Charity.

We are a growing organization, and you can participate in our growth. If you would like to make a donation, or volunteer with us, please drop us a line at info@k9helpers.org and let us know, and we will get back to you with details about how you can help!

K9 Helpers Mission Statement (Approved, fall 2006)

Mission

To train service dogs for persons with psychiatric disabilities.
To educate professionals and public regarding the benefits that service dogs can provide for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Vision

To be a leading provider of trained service dogs for persons with psychiatric disabilities, within Southern Ontario.
To be a leader in promoting the benefits of trained service dogs teamed with people with psychiatric disabilities.

Organization Values

The value of the reintegration of people with psychiatric disabilities into society.
The value of support, healing, and reduction or control of symptoms resulting from placement of a trained service dog.
The value of increased independence of clients when matched with a trained service dog.
The value of preparing and training a dog to meet specific needs of a person with psychiatric disabilities.
The value of assessment and training of the human client in readiness for teaming with a psychiatric service dog.
The value of matching the client's needs and abilities with the specific needs and abilities of the canine member of the team.
The value of the reduction of hospitalizations, medical crises and/or medication for the human member of the psychiatric service dog team
The value of caring, honesty, open-mindedness, respect and dedication among all clients, volunteers and staff.