Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of tasks does a service dog need to do? Can you train it to pick things up or support me to stand up? What tasks are dogs not trained to do?

    Dogs are trained to mitigate symptoms of PTS by being trained to do deep pressure exercises and be a space barrier between a veteran and a stranger.  We do not offer training for balance or brace dogs to physically support an individual.  Our dogs are not trained to be guide dogs, brace dogs, or diabetic alert dogs.

  • Why does it take so long to be accepted into the program?

    It is an extensive process to gather all supporting documents needed from all the different organizations such as the VA and other service providers.

  • Why am I required to return yearly to re-test my service dog?

    Like with any skill we all get a little rusty.   We encourage participants to return to refresh the dog’s skills and abilities. 

  • My dog is already trained, can you certify it for me?

    An individual must first apply and go through all the requirements for “veteran’s own dog” 

  • How many dogs, cats, and other animals can I have at home? Does my yard need to be fenced?

    The fewer other animals the better for a new dog that may be placed into a home.  We do require proper indoor and outdoor containment.

  • I have children, how old do they have to be to have a dog placed in my home?

    Children must be age 8 or older.

  • What is the cost of the program?

    There is no cost to the veteran participant.

  • Can I request a certain breed of dog?

    It’s good to know if an individual has a breed preference and it’s even better to know if an individual doesn’t like a particular breed.  Although we are unable to guarantee a specific breed we try to find a breed or mix of that would be suitable for the living environment.

  • Does my dog need to be a certain age to begin training?

    We accept dogs into the program when they are a year old.  Before that time we encourage individuals who have a younger dog to join a local dog training class for basis manners.

  • Why does my dog need to be neutered/spayed?

    Unneutered males can be preoccupied with developing hormones and lack the focus for training and unspayed females in heat are not allowed to attend class and weekly attendance is a requirement of the program.

  • Is my dog guaranteed to become a service dog?

    We are unable to guarantee service dog certification as it is dependent on the veteran’s time and commitment to the program.

  • I don’t currently own a dog. Can you help me find one? Can I adopt a dog myself, before I am accepted into the program, and will you pay for it?

    We will only support the adoption of a dog that is approved for the program.

  • Can I let my partner/spouse/kids feed the dog or take it for walks? Play with it?

    It is best to have the veteran as the sole provider of all things for the service dog in training.

  • Can we take them anywhere even before we graduate?

    We encourage outings with the understanding that you may not take your dog to areas that do not allow non-service dogs.

  • When do we get a vest?

    Upon graduation

  • How soon do we get our dogs ?

    Once the approval process for the veteran has been completed and a suitable dog has been identified we then move forward on pairing the team.

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