Training a service dog at DogsInVests is a two-year process.
Founded in 2017 in Palmyra, Wisconsin, Dogs in Vests is an extraordinary nonprofit committed to training service dogs for children and young adults with autism. With deep compassion and rigorous training, DogsInVests helps transform the lives of individuals who benefit from the comfort, safety, and companionship of a service animal. Thanks to a recent grant from the Wispact Foundation, the organization can continue providing personalized training to meet the unique needs of every recipient.
Tailored Training for Life-Changing Outcomes
Training a service dog at DogsInVests is a two-year process. In the first year, puppies learn behavioral and obedience skills, starting from as young as 10 weeks old. By the second year, the dogs are paired with their human recipient and begin individualized training tailored to the specific needs of that child or young adult.
“Every dog is custom-trained,” explained Michelle Holt, Director of Advancement. “Because autism exists on a wide spectrum, our dogs learn skills to meet very personal needs—from pressure therapy for anxiety to redirecting harmful behaviors.”
The transformation can be profound. One teen, previously unable to attend school assemblies due to sensory overload, recently made it through a loud, crowded event with his dog by his side. Afterward he commented, “My dog is my best friend. These are the things that make me feel like a normal kid.”
Recipient-Specific Training Funded by Wispact
The Wispact grant helps fund recipient-specific training, which is the most resource-intensive part of DogsInVests’ work. This includes weekly training sessions with both the dog and the child, public outings, in-home visits, and training for customized service commands.
“This grant pays for about a year of training,” Michelle explained. “It was nearly equivalent to one of our major annual fundraisers. For a small organization like ours, that’s a huge impact.”
Stories of Growth and Connection
The results speak for themselves. One young girl, previously too withdrawn to leave home, now joins Michelle at public presentations to speak about her dog. Another recipient who used to compulsively pick at her hands stopped after receiving her dog—a result neither the family nor the trainers can fully explain.
“There’s magic that happens,” said Michelle. “We do all the training and structure, but sometimes it’s the bond between the dog and child that creates the most change.”
A Welcoming Experience
Working with Wispact has been smooth and supportive. “The grant application was very easy to navigate,” Michelle shared. “Their staff is accessible and helpful. It’s clear they want to fund programs that make a difference, and they help you position your application to reflect that.”
How You Can Help
DogsInVests is always looking for support through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer help. One critical need is for puppy raisers and “Puppy Pals,” who can help socialize dogs by taking them out on errands or spending time with them outside of the training center.
To learn more, visit dogsinvests.org or follow them on Facebook at @dogsinvestsWI.
“Whether it’s a donation, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission, every little bit helps,” said Michelle. “Thanks to Wispact, we’re one step closer to making the world more accessible and inclusive for kids with autism.”