4 Paws On-Campus Program: 4 Paws University
 We have three college campuses now with a 4 Paws On-Campus Program where our dogs live with select students (as they do with the inmates or foster homes) and attend school with the student. "The University Program started in the Fall of 2008 at Wittenberg University with four dogs," says University Program Coordinator Jessa Brown, "and has grown to encompass the University of Kentuckywith sixteen dogs total between the two colleges. A few have even graduated. And we recently added Wright State University."
Student Helps Kids With Dogs, Daycare and Books
Witt students socialize service dogs
"Recycled Pets" making a difference for people with disabilities.
Foster home placements for puppies and service dogs in training.
Photos taken at 4 Paws Universities
What are we?
4 Paws For Ability is a not for profit agency placing service animals with people who have limited physical, mental, or emotional abilities. Although we provide service animals to a wide variety of people, we specialize in currently under served populations such as children and people with hidden or severe disabilities. We are committed to promoting public awareness of the American's With Disabilities Act of 1990 as it applies to service animals. 4 Paws is dedicated to using 'recycled pets' from animal shelters. Additionally we also have a breeder program and accept temperament tested pets from families who can no longer care for them.
What is a service animal?
Any animal trained or placed to do work, by performing specific tasks for people with disabilities. While most service animals are dogs, the ADA does allow for the use of other animals. Currently 4 Paws trains and places Mobility Assistance Dogs, Signal Dogs, Seizure Assistance Dogs, Autism Assistance and other types of service dogs.
How can I help?
4 Paws depends on a large pool of volunteers to meet the growing demand for service animals. While the dogs are puppies and/or in the early stages of training they live in foster homes who help with their training. You can help! Foster one of our service dogs in training and watch the magic begin. Our volunteers have two things in common, a big heart for animals and a desire to see the life of someone with a disability improved: a life changing miracle.
Puppy Raisers/Foster Home Requirements
No experience necessary. Puppies are usually around 8-12 weeks, and our biggest goal is socialization. In addition we need foster homes for young adult dogs. This would be considered a short term foster, the dogs are between 4-7 months old and have been through our prison program and need more exposure to new situations. We often recommend short term fostering for our new foster homes. While the dog is in the foster home the family will begin the housebreaking process, the acquisition of in home manners, and provide 4 Paws with an assessment of the dogs personality, willingness to learn, and any potential problems/concerns they might see in the dog. The foster puppy goes through a rigorous evaluation process: socialization, personality assessment, housebreaking, and the development of manners, as well as basic obedience. In addition, the home will attend lessons (puppy kindergarten and basic obedience), at a dog club or 4H program in their area. If there are fees associated with these lessons 4 Paws will cover the expense. If the placement needs to be terminated for any reason, we would expect the respectful decision to give us at least two weeks notice so that we can find a different placement for the puppy.
4 Paws For Ability's responsibility
Our foster homes and puppy raisers do so on a voluntary basis. However, there is no expense to the home. We can provide all veterinary care at our facility, dog food, and other expenses such as monthly heartworm preventative and flea control if needed, but first preference is given to families willing to donate this care. (This would be a tax deductible contribution - keep receipts.) If the dog placed is one that needs grooming (only grooming not easily provided by the home such as clipping) we will also provide reimbursement of the cost when the family can not afford this expense. All expenses must be approved in advance. Expenses can be met by obtaining the needed items and submitting them for reimbursement or the home may choose to let us know when they require the necessary services of supplies and pick them up at our training center.
Creating a Fostering Program at Your University
1. Contact Dean of Students to see if your university would be open to having service dog in training on campus
(Bring 4 Paws Information Handout and Brochures)
2. Decide on University Coordinator
3. Spread awareness about the program
a. Presentations
b. Volunteer fairs
c. School newspaper
d. Message boards
4. Hand out applications provided to interested students
5. University Coordinator works with 4 Paws Trainer to approve applications and admittance to the program.
6. Students contacted and meetings scheduled.
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New University Program Q and A
Thank you so much for your interest in our University Program. I know you must have lots of questions, so I will answer of few of the most common ones here and you are welcome to e-mail me with more questions or give me a call.
How long will I have my foster puppy?
University Program fostering lasts a Semester and is for puppies who have a foundation of training with our prison program and have completed their routine vet care.
What breeds of puppies are available?
We use many breeds, but mainly labs and goldens. Right now we have a real need for foster homes, because in the past few weeks we have gotten a number of new litters. Check out www.4pawsdogs.org to see many of our available puppies!
 What is required of me?
Basically we ask that the puppy will be a part of your family and you take the puppy with you as many places as possible (socialization). You must be able to attend classes with the University Program Coordinator. You also must live within our foster home radius which is three hours from 4 Paws for Ability which is based in Xenia, OH.
Can I have other pets in my home?
It is fine to have other pets in your home and actually is a good socialization experience. If you have another dog, it must be friendly towards other dogs and up to date on all vaccines. We will do a temperament test with your pet dog and you must bring your pet dog to 4 Paws to make sure he gets along with your potential foster puppy.
Isn't taking care of a puppy expensive?
There does not need to be any cost to you (however anything you provide is considered a tax deductible donation to the agency). You can receive from 4 Paws : a crate, leash, collar, vet care, toys, dog bowls, food, vest to be socialized in, etc. Supplies will be brought to your campus during University Program scheduled meetings. We have a full time vet here at 4 Paws that you can use at no cost!
Where do I go from here?
See "Creating a Fostering Program at Your University"
How would I give the puppy up?
This is the hardest question and the one why many people believe they can't foster. It is hard to give the dogs up, but it is also so rewarding. I would encourage you to go onto our website www.4pawsforability.org and read some of the testimonials. The dogs are truly making a difference, and it is wonderful bring a part of that. Additionally, even after you give the puppy back for advanced training, we will keep you posted on how the training is going and let you know what child is being matched with your puppy. When the training is done, you are welcome to attend the graduation and meet the family who is getting your puppy.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Jessa Brown
University Program Coordinator
Jessa4paws@aol.com
(937) 776-4008, (937) 206-3312
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