Dementia Dog
Transforming lives through a groundbreaking partnership
What is Dementia Dog?
A pioneering collaboration between Alzheimer Scotland and Dogs for Good, Dementia Dog has been bringing joy, connection and life-changing support to families affected by dementia since 2012.
Beginning with the world’s first dementia assistance dogs, the Scotland-based partnership has developed into a range of innovative services that help people living with dementia to live well at home and in their communities. Through the unique bond between people and dogs, we support greater independence, wellbeing, confidence and connection.
Explore the range of services below to find the support that’s right for you.
How we help:
Dementia Community Dog
Dementia Community Dog teams deliver personalised, face-to-face support in central Scotland.
Specially trained dogs, accompanied by their professional Dogs for Good handlers, work alongside people living with dementia to help them achieve meaningful personal goals. Whether it’s building confidence, improving mobility, reconnecting with community activities or simply enjoying new experiences, every programme is tailored to the individual’s needs.
Sessions typically last an hour and run over 6–8 weeks, with support from a dementia professional and/or family carer to support the person in achieving their goals.
The service is available across Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Stirling and Inverclyde. To enquire or make a referral, visit the Dogs for Good website and complete the enquiry form. A member of the team will then get in touch to discuss further.
Dementia Assistance Dog
Our Dementia Assistance Dogs provide full-time support to people living with dementia and their family carers at home.
These specially trained dogs offer companionship, emotional reassurance and practical assistance with everyday tasks, helping families feel more confident, connected and supported throughout their dementia journey.
The dogs are typically Labrador-sized and are matched with families at around two years of age once their specialist training is complete.
This service is best suited for people in the earlier stages of dementia who are living at home with a full-time carer. Applicants must also have access to a secure, fenced garden. The service currently covers Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Stirling and Inverclyde. Before applying, please read Dogs for Good’s Frequently Asked Questions. To enquire or make a referral, complete the enquiry form on the Dogs for Good website. A member of the team will then be in touch to explain the process and answer any questions.
Dementia Family Dog
Thinking about getting a dog, or already have one?
Our Dementia Family Dog workshop, hosted on the Alzheimer Scotland Virtual Resource Centre, is designed for families affected by dementia who have a pet dog or are considering welcoming one into their home.
The online sessions explore choosing the right breed, training and care, introducing a dog into family life, and the many ways your new or existing dog can enhance wellbeing and provide companionship for someone living with dementia. To find out more about Family Dog workshops and upcoming dates you can click here. If there are no upcoming workshops, you can register your interest here.
Get in touch
If you would like to make a donation or have a fundraising enquiry, please contact us at dementiadog@alzscot.org
For all other enquiries or referrals relating to Dementia Dog services, please complete Dogs for Good’s enquiry form.
Our community and support
Alzheimer Scotland offers support services and therapeutic activities all across the country. Find out how we support people living with dementia and their families and carers in the local community.