Step into the incredible world of service animal training with Allie Duncan, Lead Instructor at Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS). These aren’t just highly trained pets—they are life-changing medical partners. Allie breaks down the two-year journey that transforms a promising puppy into a certified assistant dog, ready to empower individuals across the community.

From Command to Confidence: The PAALS Process

Discover what makes a PAALS dog so special. Allie explains the intensive, multi-phase training program, revealing how these canines learn over 70 essential cues and behaviors. We discuss the strict, non-profit standards PAALS adheres to and how they ensure a successful, lasting partnership between a dog and its human teammate.

Specialized Roles, Real Impact

Learn about the different assistance roles these heroes fill:

• Mobility Assistance: Retrieving items, opening doors, and providing stability.
• Autism & PTSD Support: Using calming deep pressure relief and interrupting emotional distress.

Allie shares how these dogs help veterans, first responders, children with autism, and adults with mobility challenges live with greater independence and dignity.

A Local Commitment: CVETS & PAALS Partnership

We are proud to highlight the strong bond between CVETS and PAALS. CVETS actively supports this non-profit by sponsoring two PAALS dogs, helping to cover the immense cost and veterinary care needed to bring these highly trained partners to those in need. Hear how this community partnership helps sustain PAALS’s mission right here in the Midlands.

The Human-Animal Bond at Its Best

Whether you’re a dog owner, an aspiring volunteer, or just a fan of animal stories, this episode is a powerful reminder of the profound impact of the human-animal bond. Tune in to hear Allie share the passion behind PAALS and why these trained companions are truly more than a pet.

To learn more about PAALS and their mission, please visit their website at PAALS.org.