Epilepsy Seizure Alert Dogs
Epilepsy Seizure Alert Dogs
Support Dogs is a UK charity which provides and trains Seizure Alert Dogs to support individuals living with epilepsy.
Dogs are trained to provide valuable and reliable warning up to 50 minutes before an oncoming seizure giving their owner time to find safety and assistance.
Their alert gives its owner confidence that they will be warned before any seizure allowing more independence and an ability to live an active life.
Support Dogs’ website includes an Information Pack detailing the criteria an applicant should meet in order to be considered for the service and a link allowing candidates to register their interest in applying for the service;
The applicant should have at least 10 major seizures per month (tonic clonic/atonic or complex partials but not including nocturnal.).
The service would be a partnership between the dog and owner who should have the ability to care for it without the help of another person.
Applicants meeting the criteria for the service are invited to apply to attend an Information Day at the Support Dog’s training centre. These events are held once or twice a year with a limited number of places.
Applicants would have dog handling and home visit assessments.
Support Dog Instructors would assess whether the dog was suitable for the candidate and review the dog’s response prior to any seizures.
After an initial 3-5 day home placement, dog and owner would have a 6month training partnership.
If successful the partnership will qualify as a fully registered Assistance Dog team.
Support Dogs is the only organisation in the UK to provide this service.
The service is provided free of charge. If you have any queries please do contact us at info@supportdogs.org.uk or
phone 0114 261 7800
https://supportdogs.eu.rit.org.uk/forms/seizure-alert-programme-registration