Mission-Driven Since 1989
Canine Support Teams partners with people and organizations to increase independence through expertly trained dogs.
Canine Support Teams
Purpose-trained dogs. Real-world independence.
Canine Support Teams delivers high-quality service and facility dog partnerships, with inclusive access pathways, practical training, and long-term support for every team.
Founded in 1989, CST has built a training model that combines canine excellence with person-centered support. Every program is designed to improve confidence, safety, and participation in daily life.
We serve a broad disability community while offering specialized pathways, including military-connected services, outside certification, facility placements, and volunteer-led puppy development.
Assistance Dogs International Accredited
CST follows ADI standards to the highest degree, maintaining rigorous training, welfare, and placement practices for service and assistance dog teams.
Applications are open to people with qualifying disabilities.
CST reviews every application based on program fit, readiness, and support needs. Military-connected applicants are welcome, and so are civilian applicants. If a specific program has additional requirements, those details are listed on that program page.
Multiple Program Pathways
From service dogs and outside certification to facility placements, each pathway is designed for different goals.
Long-Term Team Support
CST provides training, transition guidance, and ongoing follow-up for successful canine partnerships.
Program Pathways Built for Real Needs
CST programs are intentionally structured to support different goals, contexts, and communities while maintaining a consistent training standard.
Service Dog Program
Custom-trained service dogs to increase confidence, mobility, and daily independence.
Who it serves: People living with qualifying physical, psychiatric, or developmental disabilities.
Explore programPAWZ for Wounded Vets
A focused support track designed for veterans and military-connected handlers.
Who it serves: Veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members with qualifying disabilities.
Explore programOutside Certification
Certification pathway for people who have owner-trained dogs and need formal public access testing.
Who it serves: People with disabilities who meet program standards and have a dog ready for evaluation.
Explore programFacility Dog Program
Professionally placed facility dogs that support schools, treatment settings, and care teams.
Who it serves: Organizations and professionals serving people in healthcare, education, justice, and social services.
Explore programPrison Pup Program
A collaborative training model where incarcerated puppy raisers help develop future service dogs.
Who it serves: Correctional partners, CST trainers, and future service dog handlers.
Explore program
Community-powered impact, built to last
Our work is strengthened by puppy raisers, correctional training partners, volunteers, donors, and mission-aligned organizations. Together, these contributors help create dependable teams that can serve for years.
See Ways to Get InvolvedVideo Stories
CST impact is best understood through real stories from handlers, trainers, and community partners.
Boston Bruins and PAWZ for Wounded Veterans
CST team members and partners discuss the impact of the PAWZ for Wounded Vets initiative.
Canine Support Teams YouTube Channel
A current feature from the CST-affiliated channel and partnership ecosystem.
Start your CST journey
Tell us about your goals and we will guide you toward the best-fit program pathway.