here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to train a service dog?
Do all of the dogs in training graduate and become service dogs?
How long is the wait time for me to get a service dog from SDC?
Training typically takes 12-18 months total, sometimes up to 2 years.
How long is the wait time for me to get a service dog from SDC?
Do all of the dogs in training graduate and become service dogs?
How long is the wait time for me to get a service dog from SDC?
Our current wait time is 24-36 months from the time you apply to the time you are placed with the service dog. If your disability needs require a very specific type of dog, such as a dog over 80lbs that is old enough for him/elbow clearance for bracing, then sometimes this wait time is longer.
Do all of the dogs in training graduate and become service dogs?
Do all of the dogs in training graduate and become service dogs?
Do all of the dogs in training graduate and become service dogs?
No. On average we get 12 new dogs added to our training program a year. Out of all of those dogs, one third of them do not make it all the way through our service dog training program and graduate.
What happens to the dogs that drop out of service dog training?
What will disqualify someone from getting a service dog from SDC
Do all of the dogs in training graduate and become service dogs?
We have lots of people that apply for our service dog drop-outs aka Career Change dogs. They make wonderful loving pets and we foster them until they find their forever homes. None of our program dogs will ever end up back in a shelter.
Where does SDC place service dogs?
What will disqualify someone from getting a service dog from SDC
What will disqualify someone from getting a service dog from SDC
SDC places service dogs all over the United States. We have our trainers deliver the dogs to applicants and do placement training in the applicant's home town to make sure the dog transitions smoothly and the applicant feels confident handling their new service dog.
What will disqualify someone from getting a service dog from SDC
What will disqualify someone from getting a service dog from SDC
What will disqualify someone from getting a service dog from SDC
Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our dogs, and the people getting them. If we feel that the environment, or the person's disability jeopardizes the safety of the service dog, or the applicant is mentally or physically incapable of making decisions or properly caring for the dog, then we will not place a service dog with that applicant.
Why are service dogs so expensive?
Do the service dogs ever get to just be dogs?
Do the service dogs ever get to just be dogs?
It takes a lot of time and resources to raiser and train a quality service dog. All of our dogs are cared for by veterinarians, fed quality dog food and treats, and hundreds of hours are spent on training each dog to ensure that they have the necessary skills to help someone in need.
Do the service dogs ever get to just be dogs?
Do the service dogs ever get to just be dogs?
Do the service dogs ever get to just be dogs?
Yes! We believe it is important that our dogs get free time and play time to let them get a break from working all the time. Our dogs know the different expectations between being in work mode and free time. When the vest comes off they are just a well behaved pet, but they are still expected to do tasks when needed.
Will the service dog be certified?
Do the service dogs ever get to just be dogs?
Can anyone with a diagnosis qualify for a service dog?
No. In the United States there is no official certification process for service dogs, and service dog registries are online scams that do not prove anything about your dog. Service dogs are not legally required to have papers, ID, or even a service dog vest to be a legitimate service dog. What IS required is that the dog is well behave
No. In the United States there is no official certification process for service dogs, and service dog registries are online scams that do not prove anything about your dog. Service dogs are not legally required to have papers, ID, or even a service dog vest to be a legitimate service dog. What IS required is that the dog is well behaved, under control at all times out in public, and specifically task trained to assist their handler's disability.
Can anyone with a diagnosis qualify for a service dog?
Can one of the adoptable career change dogs be trained as a service dog in the future?
Can anyone with a diagnosis qualify for a service dog?
No. A person may have a legitimate disability or diagnosis, but that condition must be effecting that person's life on a disabling level to warrant the help of a task trained service animal to be covered by ADA law. Two people can have the same diagnosis, but the level at which that diagnosis effects different people can vary greatly!
Can one of the adoptable career change dogs be trained as a service dog in the future?
Can one of the adoptable career change dogs be trained as a service dog in the future?
Can one of the adoptable career change dogs be trained as a service dog in the future?
No. Our career change dogs were deemed unfit for service dog work for a reason, therefore cannot be adopted with the intention of use as service dogs. We release dogs from our program due to health, behavioral issues, or temperament issues. Some of our career change dogs make great therapy dogs, ESA, or task-trained pets.
Is the service dog allowed on furniture?
Am I allowed to have other pets in the house?
Am I allowed to have other pets in the house?
We train all of our dogs not to get on furniture only because we don't know what the preference of each applicant is. Once you get your service dog, we let you decide whether you want the dog on your furniture or not.
Am I allowed to have other pets in the house?
Am I allowed to have other pets in the house?
Am I allowed to have other pets in the house?
Yes! Our dogs are very used to living with other animals and we will make sure to place you with a dog that can coexist well with the other animals in your home. Owning other animals will not disqualify you from getting one of our service dogs unless your pets are aggressive.
Can the service dog be for multiple people?
Am I allowed to have other pets in the house?
Can the service dog be for multiple people?
No. A service dog is specifically task trained for helping one individual. The dog cannot be used to assist multiple people as it is critical that the dog understands who it is supposed to bond and pay the most attention to.
Can SDC train my pet to be my service dog?
Are there discounts or scholarships for people who cannot afford the cost of a service dog?
Can the service dog be for multiple people?
We offer board & train for people who already have pets that are good service dog candidates, but those dogs don't join our service dog training program for their entire training process.
Are there discounts or scholarships for people who cannot afford the cost of a service dog?
Are there discounts or scholarships for people who cannot afford the cost of a service dog?
Are there discounts or scholarships for people who cannot afford the cost of a service dog?
While we do not offer discounts, we hope to have scholarships available soon once we are officially a non-profit and can apply for grants. Currently we are a program that has been approved by the Assistance Dogs United Campaign that offers vouchers of several thousand dollars to applicants that can go toward the cost of getting one of ou
While we do not offer discounts, we hope to have scholarships available soon once we are officially a non-profit and can apply for grants. Currently we are a program that has been approved by the Assistance Dogs United Campaign that offers vouchers of several thousand dollars to applicants that can go toward the cost of getting one of our dogs. The link to their website is provided here: http://www.assistancedogunitedcampaign.org
Does SDC help applicants with fundraising?
Are there discounts or scholarships for people who cannot afford the cost of a service dog?
Are there discounts or scholarships for people who cannot afford the cost of a service dog?
While we are not active participants in an applicant's fundraising process, we are happy to advertise fundraising efforts on our website and social media pages.
Do applicants have a say in what dog they get placed with?
Does my SDC service dog have to use the equipment provided by SDC, or can I use my own gear?
Do applicants have a say in what dog they get placed with?
Yes. At the end of the day, we want you to be happy with the dog you get matched with. When we think we have a dog for someone, we will call them to discuss it. As long as everyone feels good about the match, we proceed with custom training the dog to that person's needs. If you are very specific on what you want, just know your wait t
Yes. At the end of the day, we want you to be happy with the dog you get matched with. When we think we have a dog for someone, we will call them to discuss it. As long as everyone feels good about the match, we proceed with custom training the dog to that person's needs. If you are very specific on what you want, just know your wait time could be significantly increased. We do not let applicants choose their dog out of the dogs we have available because we prioritize the need of the person's disability and their lifestyle over all other things.
Can I use my service dog as a therapy dog as well?
Does my SDC service dog have to use the equipment provided by SDC, or can I use my own gear?
Do applicants have a say in what dog they get placed with?
Generally the answer is no on this because the service dog cannot get used to greeting other people or seeking attention when in-vest. Most of the time using a service dog for therapy work will ruin the service dog's training.
Only in very specific, pre-approved scenarios will we allow one of our placed service dogs to be also used as a therapy dog.
Does my SDC service dog have to use the equipment provided by SDC, or can I use my own gear?
Does my SDC service dog have to use the equipment provided by SDC, or can I use my own gear?
Does my SDC service dog have to use the equipment provided by SDC, or can I use my own gear?
Our service dogs MUST only wear harnesses and vests pre-approved by our trainers. We do not allow any patches to be added to our vests or harnesses, but allow applicants to have a say in what gets embroidered on their dog's vest if it is directly related to the person's disability and their safety. Our service dogs must be handled in th
Our service dogs MUST only wear harnesses and vests pre-approved by our trainers. We do not allow any patches to be added to our vests or harnesses, but allow applicants to have a say in what gets embroidered on their dog's vest if it is directly related to the person's disability and their safety. Our service dogs must be handled in the harness, head halter, or other equipment approved for that specific service dog team. Recipients are allowed to pick out whatever flat collar and leash they would like as long as it is not offensive or reflect poorly on SDC.