Frequently Asked Questions
No.
No.
SDI provides each dog free of charge to the client. We must raise $50,000 in donations to pay for training both the dog and the client. We welcome donations from applicants and appreciate any fundraising efforts, but these are not required.
Applicants pay:
Application Fee: $50, non-refundable
Travel expenses to our training campus in Dripping Springs, Texas (near Austin) for:
Applicant Orientation Day - 1 day
Clients pay:
Travel expenses to our training campus for
Matching 1 or more days, 2-hour session
Team Training Class - Monday - Friday, 5 days
Expenses for care of dog once it moves in with you. Approximately $2500 annually for premium dog food, veterinary needs, training supplies, equipment and other needs.
The application process takes 3-6 months.
1-2 years, sometimes sooner.
We adopt young adult dogs from shelters and rescue organizations with the temperament suited for this kind of work.
Dogs may be pure or mixed breed.
Hearing Dogs are typically mid-size
Service Dogs are typically Lab size
Facility Dogs are typically Lab size
2-3 years old
No. This is sometimes a hard choice for applicants, but the Assistance Dog must be the only dog in the home. That is so its focus will be on helping its partner, not the distraction of another dog. One positive aspect of the waiting list is applicants have plenty of time to find a relative or friend who can provide a good home for their current pet.
Pets, other than dogs, are fine.
Yes, if you live in a house. You will still need to take the dog outdoors for exercise and toileting. We do not allow recipients to leave their Hearing or Service Dogs in the backyard unattended.
If you live in an apartment, you will need to take your dog outdoors multiple times daily for exercise and toileting. You must also arrange to clean up after your dog.
Texas or for a purpose outside of what Service Dogs, Inc. trains for, explore the training groups lists on this site. This is also where you can learn about assistance dogs in general including standards and ethics.
“Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a coalition of not for profit assistance dog organizations. The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs, staff and volunteer education, as well as educating the public about assistance dogs, and advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs.”
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP)
This organization focuses on the people who use assistance dogs – the partners. If your assistance dog question is hard to fit, take a look here.
“A non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.”
The Americans With Disabilities Act and Service Dogs
Find out your state’s law on assistance dogs in this pdf publication. It includes laws of other countries, too.
Researched and published by Assistance Dogs International.
Learn about your rights of access to public places with your Hearing or Service Dog
Air Carrier Access Act and Service Dogs
Learn about flying with Service Dogs
Download a chart of the different airlines’ policies and links here:
Email: info@servicedogs.org
