Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What is an Assistance Dog?

The ADA definition of "service animal" reads as follows:

A "service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition."

It is noted, however, that one possible exception may apply in that public entities shall "make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a miniature horse by an individual with a disability if the miniature horse has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability." In deciding whether to allow a miniature horse as a service animal a public entity will be required to consider a number of factors, including the size and weight of the miniature horse, whether the horse’s handler has sufficient control over the animal, whether there are legitimate safety concerns, and whether the horse is housebroken.

There are 3 categories of Assistance Dogs:

Guide Dogs are also known as Seeing Eye Dogs are trained to guide a blind or partially blind person around obstacles to get where they need to go.
Hearing Dogs also known as Signal Dogs alert to sounds that a deaf or hearing impaired individual cannot hear.
Service Dogs are dogs who are trained to help people with disabilities other than visual or hearing impairments. Some examples of such needs are mobility, psychiatric, and medical alert for diabetes, seizures or other conditions.

2) What breeds make good Assistance Dogs?

The common breeds you will see as Assistance Dogs are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds, however, there are many breeds that may be suitable for service work if they fit the needs of a disabled person.

3) How long is the waiting list to get a service dog?

At this time we are taking applications for the group of dogs who are expected to graduate in late 2011. Thus, our current waiting time is approximately 18 months. The average waiting time with any Assistance Dog training program is between 1-5 years, depending upon the region. The FSDS does not place assistance dogs with individuals younger than 16 years of age. Please note that individuals who are applying for a successor dog from the FSDS are given priority over first time applicants.

The FSDS trains service and facility dogs. We currently do not train guide or hearing dogs.

4) Is there an application fee?

No. The FSDS does not charge an application fee.

5) What is the cost of obtaining a service dog?

The total cost of temperament testing, veterinary care, food, training and other expenses associated with assistance dog training and placement is currently just in excess of $15,000. Through our training program and community donations, we are able to defray the cost associated with providing certified service / facility dogs to our community. The FSDS currently charges a reduced fee of $6,500 per dog.

6) Is financial assistance available?

The FSDS accepts nominations at the start of each semester, and will select individuals with a demonstrated track record of community service. The FSDS actively fundraises to help defray the cost, however, the recipients are still responsible for a portion of the costs, based upon financial need.

7) How do I apply for a service dog from the FSDS?

Please visit our "Apply for a service dog" page to download a copy of the application form.

8) Do you charge tuition to become a service dog trainer in your program?

No. The FSDS has created a work-study program that allows individuals to work off their tuition by raising a dog with us. Student trainers raise a dog under professional guidance and are taught basic and advanced obedience as well as service skills training. Students are taught the basics of canine safety (including canine first aid and CPR certification), grooming and TTouch. This is in contrast to other training programs that charge, on the average, $2,000 - $4,000 to become an obedience trainer. As a part of the requirement for free tuition, students are also obligated to participate in fundraising activities with the FSDS.

9) If I pledge a recurring donation, and then experience financial difficulties, how do I cancel?

You can cancel at any time by logging in to your Paypal account and accessing your information. The FSDS does not have the ability to cancel from our end. If you are unable to access information on how to cancel, you can call Customer Service at Paypal for assistance.

10) How do I obtain an IRS donation letter for recurring donations?

When you complete your transaction for recurring donation on line, you will be taken to a new screen, instructing you to print out the page as proof of donation for IRS. Please note that in cases of donations less than $250 the IRS does not require a letter.