Helping Paws provides service dogs to help those who are physically disabled become more independent. Foster home volunteers take puppies into their homes for two years, during which time the dogs are trained to be service dogs. When that training is complete, the dogs are carefully matched to approved applicants. Any applicant with a physical disability besides sight or hearing impairment may apply for a dog. Helping Paws does not charge for the dogs. Applicants only pay a nominal application fee and an equipment fee.