North East Assistance and Therapy Dogs

02/01/2026

Our amazing apprentice Tom will be shaving his head for The Oasis Suite (Bright Northumbria) on Monday!! Please support him and donate if you can.

Help Thomas Whiteley raise money to support Bright Northumbria

01/01/2026

25/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from NEAT Dogs 🎄

From all of us at North East Assistance and Therapy Dogs, we’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, happy day ✨

A special thank you to our incredible dogs, handlers, supporters, and community for everything you’ve done this year, we truly couldn’t do it without you ❤️

We know Christmas isn’t easy for everyone. However today looks for you, please be kind to yourself and remember there’s no right or wrong way to spend the day, just do what feels best for you.

Enjoy the day, and give your pups an extra cuddle from us 🐾

Accessibility: an AI image of five dogs of our dogs wearing red Santa hats sit together in front of a Christmas tree and fireplace. They are behind a sign reading “Merry Christmas from NEAT Dogs,” with festive lights and presents around them.

22/12/2025

Inclusion 💕

20/12/2025

🎁 Festive Reminder from North East Assistance and Therapy Dogs🎄

As we move into a particularly busy time of year, you may notice more dogs out in public spaces supporting their handlers through the festive period.

Please be mindful that when a dog is wearing a jacket or other working equipment, they are actively working. To help them do their job safely and effectively, we ask that you:

• Do not distract, touch, call, or whistle at the dog
• Avoid making eye contact or offering food
• Always speak to the handler first if you wish to ask a question
• Give the dog and handler space, especially in crowded areas
• Please do not allow your pet dog to approach a working dog

These small actions make a significant difference, particularly in busy shops, transport hubs, cafés, and Christmas events.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us create inclusive, accessible spaces for assistance dog handlers during the festive season.

From all of us at North East Assistance and Therapy Dogs, we wish you a safe and enjoyable festive week 🩵💙

Accessibility: An AI image of Angus (Golden Retriever), Hafnar (Black Labrador), Blossom (Brown and White Terrier Mix), Brampton (Brown and White Springer Spaniel) and Arlo (Brown Cockerpoo) in Christmas hats!

19/12/2025

Loved spending time with these two legends yesterday. First Behaviour and Obedience Test completed - the one in the ‘familiar area.’

Next we will be completing the second BOA in an unfamiliar area and then they get their ‘Qualified Assistance Dog’ jacket.

While qualification is not a legal requirement in the UK, as an organisation we require any dogs who wear our jackets to reach our qualification standard. That way you can be assured that if you see one of our dogs out and about they have been assessed, can demonstrate tasks which alleviate an immediate medical need and have been trained to a standard that is assessed as not being or likely to cause any kind of public nuisance.

This team are owner-trained but our standard still remains the same as for our organisation-trained dogs. They did amazingly on their part one test and we are really looking forward to seeing them for part two.

Well done guys!!

17/12/2025

Niiiiiice

17/12/2025

Our wish

17/12/2025

15/12/2025