Service Dogs

Requirements for the Owner

  • Have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act

  • Able to participate in training lessons over an extended period of time. The initial training can take a year, two, or even longer.

  • Able to commit time to practice with your dog regularly between appointments.

  • Aware that you may end up with a dog that can only help at home or in places where pets are allowed. Up to 50% of service dog candidates in programs are not able to complete training and work in places where pets are not permitted.

  • Willing to wait until we evaluate your dog’s suitability and help you train your dog foundation skills before putting service dog identification on your dog and before taking your dog to places where pets are not permitted.

  • Have support from your licensed healthcare provider for use of a service dog.

Requirements for the Dog

  • No history of aggression towards dogs, people, or other animals

  • Easily trained. A breed or mix likely to have characteristics suitable for service work such as Labradors and Golden retrievers. Each dog is assessed as an individual but some breeds are more likely to exhibit characteristics suitable for service work than others.

  • No history of any serious behavior problems like fear or separation anxiety

  • Under age 4 years, physically healthy.

Our Process

Step 1

We begin with a 60-minute virtual appointment. This is when we will answer your questions, gather information about your dog and your needs, and give you important information about service dog training as well as training recommendations to get started.

Fee $90 *tax not included

Step 2

We conduct a 60-minute evaluation of your dog. This is when we look at how your dog responds to some minor stressors in a new situation to see if it is appropriate to begin training him or her for service work. A brief visit to a public area to see how your dog responds to crowds may be required.

Fee $150 *tax not included

Step 3

Training for service work if your dog is suitable.

This process usually takes 1 – 2 years but can take longer. The process includes services such as virtual and in-person training appointments, day training, and private training.

Package rates are available.

Hourly Rate $125 *tax not included

Step 4

Follow-up support. Help to maintain your dog’s training throughout your service dog’s working career.

Hourly rate $125 *tax not included