Handi-Dogs

Taking your dog with you everywhere you go sounds wonderful, but in reality it involves a lot of hard work, patience, and understanding of the laws involved.

Step 1 -Decide what you want a service dog to do for you:
The ADA requires that a service dog be trained to do work or perform tasks that mitigate your disability. What tasks could a dog do for you that would mitigate your disability? (Providing comfort or companionship is not considered a service task and does not qualify for reasonable accomodation).

What is a Service Dog & Who can have a Service Dog

Is a Service Dog Right for You?

For more information on what reasonable accomodation means, and how service dogs should behave in public, go to our ADA Regulations page.

Step 2 - Getting an appropriate dog:
Is your dog appropriate for service work, or do you need to find a dog? Your dog may be the most wonderful, smart, loving companion at home, but a service dog must be able to handle situations that most dogs find very stressful or frightening. Choosing a Dog

Eligibility for Handi-Dogs:

• Person with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, including physical impairment, diabetes, hearing impairment, and psychiatric disorders;
• Caregiver/Family member of a child with a disability;
• Statement from a physician required in order to verify disability.

Dog:

• Will be assessed for appropriate temperament before acceptance;
• Must be physically sound and capable of performing the tasks asked of it;
• Must have proof of health and required vaccinations;
• Must have at least 6 years of working life after completing training. Generally, this means dogs no older than 4 years.
• Must be spayed/neutered

Format

• Classes are held in 10-week sessions. The number of sessions required depends on how consistently you train with your dog. Expect 6-8 ten-week sessions (1-2 years) to achieve certification.
• Participants attend a 60-90 minute class once a week, and practice daily at home.
• Classes are held on weekdays, during the day. Class placement is dependent on your dog's individual needs after evaluation.

Cost

• There is a non-refundable $35.00 application/testing fee.
• The cost for each 10-week session is $200 - $300, depending on course level.

Application

Download in PDF format. All forms & $35 fee are required before application will be processed:
Program Information - updated for classes beginning April, 2013
Service Dog Program Application
Physician Statement
 Veterinarian Report

 Schedule

Spring Session 2013
April 1 - June 7