How do I Obtain a Service Dog for a Disabled Person?

Service dogs are trained to help disabled people complete their daily activities.

Service dogs help people with cognitive and physical disabilities with their daily activities. The dogs are trained to complete tasks for disabled people. For example, a service dog can guide someone who is blind. A service dog may alert others if the disabled person is having a seizure. Service animals are not assigned to disabled individuals as pets, but rather are assigned to assist and protect them. Service animals are allowed to enter any business open to the public and may accompany the disabled person at all times.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

1. Find a service dog trainer in your area by searching the Delta Dog registered Pet Partners Directory. The website is located in the Resources tab. Enter your information and select the trainer closest to you.

2. Make sure the trainer is willing to communicate frequently through email or telephone and will help eliminate any problems that may arise. Ask any questions you may have before applying.

3. Complete the application the trainer provides. Provide documentation of your disability in the form of a doctor's recommendation or medical evaluation. Provide any character recommendation letter needed from trusted friends or teachers.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Obtaining a service dog is a long process. If your application is approved, you may need to wait anywhere from several months to more than a year to be placed with a service dog.

• Beware of scams. Ask the organization for testimonials and referrals of people who have been placed with service dogs.

• Do not give an organization any money at the time of application other than a small application fee.

References

• ADA: Service Animals
• Service Dogs Save Lives: How can you get a service dog?

Resources

• Delta Society: Pet Partners Program Directory