Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services
4.6 from 28 reviews
Address 221 N Grampian Hills Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Phone Number +18037887063
Description PAALS trains service dogs for veterans with PTSD, children with autism and adults with disabilities. We also provide education about Animal Assisted Interventions and the Americans with Disabilities act. PAALS is the only Assistance Dogs International certified program based in South Carolina.
Website https://paals.org/
H. F.
If you need volunteer hours, PAALS is an easy, fun way to earn them. There are several summer camps offered. One summer camp even involves working with horses. Help train future service dogs, and in the process learn techniques you can bring home to your own pets. They get their own puppies for training, they don't train personal pets. As parent/guardian of a camper, you'll have to pay for the camp, and each camper will receive a free camp t-shirt. If you volunteer, you will have to pay to order a special t-shirt.
Joe Pilon
Let me tell you of my experiences of PAALS Columbia, South Carolina. After applying for their listing of FREE ADI certification for veterans with service dog pilot program ad that was to start in early March, 2018. I applied in mid February 2018. Let’s remember Pilot Program is defined as small scale, short-term experimental project. I currently have a certified mobility service dog by another agency. The ADI certification would give him free health care for life through the VA. I filled out all service dog required documentation and veterans application on line as stated. I drove 3 hours one way to PAALS in Columbia to have my mobility service dog tested, and he passed as expected. I was told by the Director that the committee had decided that all applicants had to fill out an application like we were applying for a new dog with all required documentation from the VA. I did, and then I called in March and told my dog was the only qualifying service dog to date, and that they were testing other dogs. At the same time I applied through the VA for free health care for my mobility service dog upon completion and certification through ADI. They required school start date, finish date, number of hours of training, and location if and when he graduated. In June I requested a letter through the Director of PAALS for the VA in writing. They said they were still qualifying dogs and veterans for the program. Again I was told my dog and I were the only team that qualified, and they did not know when the start date or end date was going to be. After 5+ months of telling me I needed to complete forms, documentations, and doctors reports, I insisted that PAALS give me a letter for the VA by July. I received an e-mail in late July telling me my dog and I no longer qualified as a candidate for the program. We disabled veterans have seen several organizations saying what they help veterans, but few do what the say for disabled veterans. I, as a 100 % permanently and totally disabled veteran, with a certified mobility service dog, was told after 5 + months that my service dog and I no longer qualify, who did? How are they allowed to have a symbol of the Department of Veterans Affairs on their website as a supporter? They don’t represent the VA. I only lost time, hope, and a dream of free health care for my certified mobility service dog. But, before you let yourself be scammed out of money, hope, time, or dreams from an organization that claims to help veterans get FREE ADI certification for their service dog. Ask them how many dogs and veterans graduated from their class that was to start in early March 2018? How many veterans and dogs were in the class? Let’s have the news media take their pictures for all to see. There is nothing worse than an origination that solicits funds in the name of helping disabled veterans. And what happened to the donated funding for the Pilot Program? Shame on you, PAALS. It is my hope that ADI, veteran service originations, news media, the VA, and other charitable donors look into this organization. This cannot be allowed to happen in the name of helping disabled veterans. I am sure I am not the first disabled veteran to complain about this organization, nor will I be the last. 100% disabled Viet Nam Veteran and his mobility service dog
Saviela Edwards Thorne
The founder, Jennifer, is so passionate and welcoming. She cares very deeply for the service dogs and treats them just like family. The staff is caring and friendly. The facility is clean and a very homely environment for the animals. I enjoyed my visit and cant wait to go back. Thank you for all you do for the community and those in need.
Terry Thompson
My diabled friend has been scammed by PAALS. She raised well over $6000 for her service dog and supported them for 2Years while she waited. Recently they told her the dog reserved for her had medical issues and she had to wait for another dog to be trained They are now accusing her of false allegations and won't provide evidence of such. Shame on them
Don (Joe Don)
This group does great things for the handicap
Noah Berry
Good place to volunteer and do some community service! Don't even think of walking in here if you're allergic to dogs or cats though!
Business Hours
Monday:09:00AM - 17:00PMTuesday:09:00AM - 17:00PMWednesday:09:00AM - 17:00PMThursday:09:00AM - 17:00PMFriday:09:00AM - 17:00PMSaturday:ClosedSunday:Closed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
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