Lend a Helping Paw

How Do You Qualify to Get One

Qualifying for a service dog is simple. Actually getting one is a bit harder. To qualify for a service animal, all you need to do is get written documentation from your healthcare provider that you have and are being treated for an emotional or psychiatric disorder or disability and require the assistance of an animal because of it. The work a dog has been trained to do must specifically relate to your condition. Training a service dog yourself can be difficult and can take years. Usually you would get a service dog from someone else who has already trained it.

To be eligible for a service dog, an individual must:
Be at least 12 years of age unless service dog is needed for a child with autism
Have a diagnosed physical disability, anxiety disorder such as PTSD, debilitating chronic illness, or neurological disorder affecting at least one limb
Reside in a stable home environment
Be physically and cognitively capable of participating in the process of training, up to one hour per day
Be able to independently command and handle a service dog Be able to meet the physical, emotional, and financial needs of a service dog
Have no other dog in the home (other animals as pets are permitted)

What do You Need to do to Get One

  • The Dog Knowledge Service Dog Foundation receives a request to consider either finding a potential service dog or training the family pet for a specific service.

    Start the process by telling the clients that any dog that being certified by a foundation for service must first produce a letter from a physician somewhat like a prescription for medicine.

    An authorized medical practitioner who has treated a patient with a disability in the past 6 months states that the patient has a specific disability and would benefit from assistance from a service dog.

    The physician’s note must dictate precisely the particular job the dog is needed to learn to offer them support to his owner.

    Download the application form, accomplish it and submit together with the signed note from the physician.

    Forward it to the foundation for review.

    The foundation may possibly inquire for more details and identify the needs of the service require, etc.

    Finding an applicable dog for the program is the usual beginning of the process.

    It is good to set an appointment with the receiver and the animal to check if they are compatible with each other.
Service Dog Bringing Prosthetic

Who to Contanct

  • For a service animal these orginizations are a good start to contact:

    Canine Companions for Independence
    Phone:1-800-572-BARK (2275)
  • Freedom Service Dogs
    Phone: (303) 922-6231
    Email: info@freedomservicedogs.org
  • Paws with a Cause
    Phone: (616) 877-7297
    Fax: 616-877-0248
  • Freedom Service Dogs
    Phone: (425) 679-5500
  • Pets for Vets
    Phone: 1-(631) 930-9000