What type of service animals do you provide?

Merlin’s KIDS provides personal service, assistance, and companion animals free of charge to those in need.

How do you know how to match a dog to a person?

Each dog is trained with and matched to the specific needs of the individual regardless of the nature, extent, and type(s) of disability. The family environment is also a primary consideration when placing a dog.

Who do you provide service animals to?

Merlin’s KIDS provides service animals to children with ASD diagnoses and other special needs including spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Service animals are also provided to veterans of the United States military, both active duty and honorably discharged in order to assist them in their daily activities.

Where do find your service dogs?

Merlin’s KIDS rescues dogs and horses from shelters and rescue organizations nationwide and rehabilitates and then trains them to meet the specific needs of an individual. Dogs that have passed the rigorous tests including temperament and health screenings are then trained and paired with an appropriate family or group FREE OF CHARGE.  We do not need to “BREED” more dogs in order to provide service dogs; The    Cookie Cutter Service Dog, does not apply to autistic children.  Each child is different, therefore, each dog must be different.

Do you also train and place companion animals?

Yes, Merlin’s KIDS also rescues dogs to become companion animals for seniors with or without special needs. Some dogs are also adopted by special group homes.

What happens to dogs that do not pass the service test?

Dogs that do not successfully complete our rigorous rehabilitation and training programs are offered as companion animals to prospective adoptive families.  ALL DOGS THAT ARE RESCUED ARE PLACED INTO LOVING HOMES.

Does Merlin’s KIDS provide dogs to hospitals?

Yes, we bring service and companion dogs and animals to visit residents and patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities to cheer and encourage them.

Does Merlin’s KIDS provide dogs for home visits and pet therapy?

Yes, dogs provided for home visits enables children and others in need to find a sense of well-being and stability in their lives by assisting families with their care and enrichment. Also, the home visits may segue to a personal service animal.

Does Merlin’s KIDS provide “Reading” Dogs to schools?

Yes, we bring dogs to visit schools and other facilities to help children with reading or learning disabilities to read (and read aloud) without the embarrassment, fear of failure, or anxiety they may otherwise experience in front of other schoolmates or adults. Because dogs are not judgmental, a child will soon build confidence and self-asteem as he or she reads and learns alongside the dog.

What and where is the Merlin’s KIDS ranch?

Merlin’s KIDS’ short-term goal is to build a western-themed facility to house the rescue and shelter dogs in training as well as a sanctuary for families to visit where they can participate in interactive programs and activities. Once a dog is trained and matched to a child, the Merlin’s KIDS Ranch is where the two will again meet for a final evaluation before the dog leaves with its new family. Our long-term goal is to include a store, restaurant, library, and livery, all within a “wild west” themed environment in Hunterdon County, NJ.

Dr. Temple Grandin will graciously assist us in the design and planning of the interior and therapy rooms of the ranch where we are planning a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for maximum learning and fulfillment. Several types of therapies including OT, PT, ST, hippotherapy (horses and riding), pet therapy, and others will be available and provided FREE OF CHARGE to families in need. The spacious log cabins in which families will reside will be complete with interactive walls and kid-friendly furnishings.

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