Life with Pompe: Could a service dog help you?

Last updated July 18, 2025, by Susie Strachan

Having a service dog for Pompe disease means you will have a loyal partner by your side, ready to lend an extra hand (or paw) whenever you need it most.

As awareness grows around the benefits of assistance dogs for chronic illness, more organizations are expanding their service dog training programs to include support for rare diseases like Pompe disease.

How a service dog can help people with Pompe

When living with Pompe disease, tasks like picking something up, opening a door, or getting around your home might take more effort. A service dog can help bridge the gap between what your body struggles with and what you want to do.

For example, service dogs might help people with late-onset Pompe and older children or teens with infantile-onset Pompe with mobility assistance, along with other actions you may not be able to do for yourself, such as:

providing balance and stability while walking
helping with transitions, such as from sitting to standing
retrieving mobility aids like canes or walkers
opening and closing doors or drawers
picking up dropped items
carrying small bags or objects in a vest or backpack
turning lights on and off
pushing accessible door buttons or activating switches
recognizing signs of distress or fatigue and getting help
activating a medical alert device if trained.

A service dog may also reduce the need for constant physical assistance from caregivers, strengthen your motivation to engage with others, and offer a calming presence during medical procedures or hospital visits.

Training and types of service dogs

If you’re considering getting a service dog, look for programs accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or follow the standards set by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP).

These programs are built around high training standards, so you can feel more confident that your service dog will be ready to support you with mobility tasks, respond during a medical emergency, and be a steady presence when you’re living with Pompe disease.

Service dogs typically undergo six to 12 months of specialized training, according to the IAADP. This includes:

learning tasks such as retrieving items, opening doors, or providing balance support.
ensuring the dog behaves appropriately in public settings
teaching the dog to recognize and respond to your health condition or medical emergencies, such as recognizing signs of respiratory distress or fatigue, and alerting caregivers or activating emergency systems.

Several U.S. organizations specialize in training support dogs for people with neuromuscular diseases such as Pompe, including:

Freedom Service Dogs, which trains dogs to assist people with disabilities, including neuromuscular disorders such as Pompe
Canine Companions for Independence, which provides trained assistance dogs to people with neuromuscular conditions
Paws for Life USA, which trains service dogs for people with neurological disorders and offers custom training to meet specific needs
SIT Service Dogs, which trains service dogs to assist people, with a focus on enhancing independence.

Types of dogs chosen for service

When selecting dogs for service work, animal organizations look closely at temperament, trainability, size, and overall reliability.

A suitable service dog must also be in good physical health and free from genetic conditions that could affect its working life.

For a person with Pompe disease, a medium to large breed such as a Labrador or Golden retriever may be the right size for mobility tasks such as helping with balance or support while walking.

These breeds are strong enough to assist with physical tasks, yet even-tempered and focused enough to stay calm in public. They’re also known for being highly intelligent and affectionate.

Mixed breeds, such as Poodle crosses, can also make excellent service dogs when they meet the necessary physical and behavioral requirements.

Training your own dog

If you’re thinking about training a dog you already own, a temperament assessment from a service dog trainer is a good first step. Not all dogs, no matter how much you love them, have the right personality for service work.

That said, in the U.S., you are allowed to train your own service dog. There is no requirement for formal certification or for the dog to come from an organization. This can make it a good option if your dog has the right temperament and you’re ready to commit to the time and effort required for training.

Whether you train your dog yourself or have help, the dog must:

reliably perform tasks related to your disability
have the patience to sit through long medical appointments or procedures
move around daily living aids for Pompe disease, such as wheelchairs or BiPAP machines, safely and confidently
be calm, focused, and well-behaved in public settings
avoid barking, growling, or lunging.

Organizations like IAADP offer helpful guidelines for training your own dog, or you can look for professional dog trainers offering the service, such as those with experience in mobility, medical needs, and alert training.

Keep in mind that some U.S. states may have additional requirements, so it’s a good idea to check your local laws. It’s also helpful to keep your service dog’s training records, task list, and proof of vaccinations on hand.

While service dogs are legally allowed to live with you in buildings with no-pet policies, fly with you in the cabin of an airplane, and accompany you on other forms of public transportation, having documentation ready can help you address any questions or potential challenges.

How to apply for a service dog

Applying for a service dog takes research, planning, and patience.

Start by researching accredited organizations that train service dogs and find out what the application process entails.

You may have to:

provide medical information, a description of your healthcare needs, and references from your healthcare providers
be interviewed, either over the phone or in person
have a home visit to get a better sense of your living situation, as a service dog needs a stable home environment where the dog can live, work, and rest
commit to participating in the training and ongoing care of the dog, either directly or with the help of a caregiver or family member.

Once your application is accepted, it may take up to two years for you to be matched with a dog, depending on the organization and the tasks the dog needs to perform.

After you’ve been matched, you may spend several days or weeks learning to work with your new dog, either with the organization or at home.

Some nonprofit programs provide service dogs at low or no cost, while others may ask for $10,000 or more. Even if the dog is free, you’ll need to budget for:

ongoing veterinary care
food and grooming
equipment such as vests, harnesses, etc.

If cost is a barrier, know that you’re not alone and that there are options to help:

Nonprofit programs may fully or partially cover the cost of training and placement.
Some rare disease and disability organizations offer funding assistance.
Many families and individuals use GoFundMe or community fundraising events to help with expenses.
In some cases, service dog-related expenses may qualify for reimbursement, so check with your insurance or tax advisor.

Considerations before getting a service dog

A service dog can offer life-changing support, but it’s also a big decision that comes with a learning curve.

Before you apply, think through what daily life with a service dog will be like when managing a condition like Pompe disease or caring for someone living with Pompe.

Service dogs are adaptable, but you can’t treat them like other Pompe disease independence tools such as a power wheelchair.

These dogs do best in environments where they’re part of the family and part of the rhythm of daily life. They’ll depend on you for:

feeding and fresh water
daily walks, play time, and bathroom breaks
grooming and vet care
ongoing training.

If your Pompe symptoms include fatigue or muscle weakness, consider who will help care for your service dog on your tougher days. Some people with Pompe find that having a caregiver, partner, or family member who can step in makes this easier.

Ultimately, a service dog can be a powerful partner in managing life with Pompe disease, offering both practical support and emotional connection. With the right training and planning, your dog can help you navigate challenges with more confidence, comfort, and independence.

Pompe Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.