Welcome to Assistance Canines of Texas’s 2024 impact statement.

In times marked by an ever-increasing cost of living, and the reemergence of COVID-19, individuals with preexisting limitations and health risks are facing, yet again, increased loneliness and disruption in their daily lives. We have learned that there is an increased need for low cost/no cost service dog training, as well as a sharp increase in the need for financial assistance with canine health and wellness costs. In response, we are creatively identifying and partnering with new ways to engage with the communities we serve. This increased visibility and participation will greatly improve awareness of what we do, increase volunteerism, expand our network, and maximize public and business giving.

In the coming year, we choose connection over loneliness. We choose resilience over disruption. And we choose engagement over confinement. Through our donors, partnerships, collaborations, and affiliations we will be able to commit more resources toward developing our Public Education Program about the impact of “emotional support” dogs endangering those with invisible disabilities and Public Access for those that rely on a Service Dog Partnership.

Begin implementation of our prototype Second Chance Heroes Program with Rescue/Shelter Programs to impact overcrowding. And reduce the cost of qualified prospects for our clients.

Place emphasis on our Advocacy Program to impact discrimination in housing, Employment, and Access.

Develop and implement a Volunteer Recruitment Plan to impact visibility and bring in a supply of human resources for staffing, events, projects, and programs.

As we look forward to the coming year, we all need to remember those that had limited connections (Access) and limitations before COVID-19 reemerged. And those that continue to face access and economic hardship as the costs of non-discretionary items continue to rise. We have and will continue to increase public awareness of the rights of individuals with disabilities and service dog teams.

—Assist individuals with disabilities to obtain professional team training and support while training their own service dog.

—Provide Texas Service Dog Teams low/no cost training supplies and equipment.

—Coordinate with local rescue organizations and shelters to place dogs as prospects with our clients. Provide advocacy assistance to our clients.

—Sponsor meetings, workshops, and gatherings that bring individuals, organizations, and agencies together relating to service dog training and use.

While we are experiencing unprecedented difficulties, we have also seen communities come together as never before. We invite you to add your voice to the accomplishments ahead!

We appreciate you!

With gratitude,

Founder/Ex. Dir.