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, 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 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 training program and community donations, we are able to train a service dog for approximately $6,500. The FSDS seeks an additional $1,000 per dog in donations to cover the equipment and set-up expenses associated with transferring a dog to a recipient.

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 on their behalf to help defray the cost, and the recipients are responsible for any remaining costs. .

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. Additionally, students are taught the basics of canine safety (including canine first aid and CPR certification0, 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.