Is a service dog right for you?
Before you begin your application, here are some questions to help you decide if a service dog is right for you.
Do you like the idea of having a dog around? A service dog is usually with you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A significant aspect of having a dog is simply enjoying his or her companionship.
Are you able to walk at least one mile daily? If not, are you willing to develop the stamina and ability to walk this distance? If you need to take a short rest during a walk of this length, you may still benefit from having a service dog.
Living and working with a service dog involves interdependence between human and dog. Do you accept the responsibility to be a consistent and fair leader in such a partnership?
A service dog will need quality food, several opportunities each day to relieve, grooming, veterinarian visits, playtime, and affection from its partner. Can you provide for the physical and emotional needs of this working companion?
Are those who live with you comfortable with having a dog in the home, and are they willing to comply with some guidelines regarding the care, control, and behavior of your dog? What about your friends and co-workers?
Do you have the financial ability to cover the expenses associated with the proper maintenance and care for the life of a service dog? Southeastern Guide Dogs and our partners offer quality dog food, monthly preventatives, and annual veterinary visits at no charge for working dog teams. You would be responsible for the financial aspects of care if you decide to use an alternative food or in the event of emergency care.
- Are you able to meet the qualifications for a service dog?
- Be retired or inactive military, or approaching retirement within the next three months
- Have an Honorable Discharge
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Reside in the United States
- Have no felony convictions
- If the applicant has a history of substance abuse (drugs and/or alcohol), a health professional must provide documentation of sobriety with a minimum one (1) year sustained sobriety required.
- Have no more than two other dogs at the residence
- Be able to provide a safe, loving, healthy, and stable home for a service dog
- Have an appropriate family/friends support system
- Be available for a phone interview with a certified service dog instructor
- Be available for an in-home interview with a certified service dog instructor
- Be able to complete an online training element before your campus training or home placement.
- Be able to maintain a relationship/communication with Southeastern Guide Dogs for the duration of the dog/handler partnership
Information to gather before you begin your application:
- Provider Information (address/phone/fax)
- Mental Health Provider (required for PTSD)
- Primary Care Physician
- Documentation of Military Service: DD-214 (must show as honorable discharge)
- Be able to explain your need(s) for a service dog, its intended use, and the potential benefits you anticipate by having a service dog
- Three personal references that do not live with you (name, email, phone number)
