Apply for an Autism Service Dog
Due to our program's popularity and the need to streamline our application process we have decided to discontinue our waitlist in 2024. We have found it is best to take applications for dogs as they are almost finished with their Canine Good Citizen test. Passing the Canine Good Citizen Test is the last step that must be completed by a dog in training to be paired with a recipient. While the discontinuance of the waitlist may seem like disappointing news, we have found that the waitlist causes a backlog of applicants, many of whom do not complete the application or are no longer interested in a service dog from our program. Our belief is that this will make a service dog possible for more families who are ready to make the commitment as the dogs become available.
We are excited to announce we are able to take our applications for 2024 starting today. The deadline for applications will be Thursday, May 30th. All applications and application fees must be submitted/paid by this deadline.
The process will follow the timeline below:
- You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received, along with an emailed invoice for the non-refundable $50 application fee. Application fee is due upon receipt.
- Applications will begin to be reviewed the week of 6/3/2024.
- You will be contacted via phone to review your application by Barb, our Director of Client Services.
- If we believe you may be a good fit we will invite you to an in person meeting at our facility.
- If we mutually agree our program would be a good fit we will conduct background & vet/reference checks. Lastly we will do a home visit.
- Approval occurs once all of the above have been completed and we have determined you are a good fit for our program.
- Upon approval $5000 of the family fee would be due to DogsInVests, Inc. at the training orientation meeting. Training orientation is the last step before training begins.
- The remaining $5000 of the family fee is due 90 days after the start of training.
Applications will be approved base on compatibility with the dog(s) that are becoming available. If your application is not approved in any given period, you can re-apply during the next open application period. Due to the timing between rounds, if it has been 12+ months since you last applied, the application fee will be applicable.
Click Here for Application Materials
Autism is a challenging, protected disability that affects every individual and family differently. Our service dogs are specially trained to help children with autism maneuver difficulties they may be experiencing in everyday life.
Must be diagnosed with autism by a licensed healthcare professional
Parent or guardian must be confident the child will not cause harm to the dogs
Recipients must attend a weekly training session at our facility in Palmyra for approximately 12 months before graduation.
Recipients must be able to attend annual recertification for the dog and handler.
