Frequenty Asked Questions

What is a Service Dog?
Service dogs provide assistance to physically disabled people by retrieving objects, opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, pulling wheelchairs, helping dress and undress, providing balance for ambulatory persons and many other specific tasks as needed by the disabled individual.

Service dogs can be rescued from animal shelters or bred in selective breeding programs. Most Service dogs are Labrador Retrievers or Golden Retrievers and can be identified by a service dog harness or backpack/vest.

How long does it take to train a service Dog?
Many hours of training at a facility as well as in the field are needed before a Dogs for Disabilities dog can be placed with an individual. From basic obedience to advanced service training is approximately 2 years.

What type of training does the recipient need?
A recipient needs to go through a schedule series of training sessions before the dog is ultimate passed to their care.

How much does a service dog cost to train?
From puppy to placement with a new owner the cost can run between $17,000 and $20,000.

How much does it cost to acquire a service dog?
Dogs for Disabilities, Inc. has a suggested $25.00 application donation. Our dogs are placed with approved applicants at no monetary commitment to them!

Who trains Dogs for Disabilities, inc. dogs?
Dogs for Disabilities, inc. uses only professional trainers. Each dog is rigorously trained to the highest of standards to produce a high quality service dog.

Who can a Service Dog help?
Service dogs can benefit people with many difference physical disabilities including but not limited to:

Spinal cord/head trauma (injury stroke)
Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
Ataxia/poor balance
Multiple Sclerosis
Cerebal Palsy
Muscular Dystrophy
Spina Bifida

Any person who has a physical imapairment that substantially limits a major life activity might be a candidate for a service dog. Service dogs can provide physical support necessary to help achieve independence.

What is the new owner’s responsibility?
To receive a Dogs for Disabilities dog, the recipient must have the financial means to provide proper daily care and veterinarian care for the dog. They must also commit to maintain training with their dog by revisiting the training facilities for scheduled sessions.

How can I help?
Dogs for Disabilities, inc. is a non-profit organization that depends on donations and volunteers for support. Please contact us for more information on how you can help or see our donation form!