Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What is a Service Dog?

A "service dog" is legally defined as any guide dog, hearing dog or other dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Both physical and mental health disabilities are included. There are 5 categories of service 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.
Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are dogs who are trained to help people with mental health disabilities such as PTSD, Major Depression, Panic/Anxiety, agoraphobia, schizophrenia etc.
Mobility Dogs are dogs who perform tasks for those with limited mobility. These tasks include, but are not limited to pulling wheelchairs, opening or closing doors, turning on or off lights, retrieving dropped objects and providing balance and support for ambulation.
Medical Alert Dogs are dogs who alert to medical conditions such as diabetes, seizures, asthma or cardiac conditions.

2) What breeds make good Service Dogs?

The common breeds you will see as Service Dogs are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds, however, any breed can be a service dog 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 first group of dogs who will be trained. This group of dogs is set to gradaute in late May 2010. Thus, the first group of recipients can expect to wait 18 months before they will receive their dog. The average waiting time with any service dog training program is between 1-5 years, depending upon the region.

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 service dog training and placement is estimated to be about $20,000. Through our partnership program and community donations, we are able to place a fully trained service dog for approximately $5,000.

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. Those individuals who are selected will be guaranteed a dog from the newly starting class upon graduation, and the FSDS will promise to actively fund raise on their behalf to help defray the cost.

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

Please use the contact form to indicate your interest, and a member of our staff will contact you.