Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive a service dog?
How much does a service dog cost?
I’m an amputee. What can a service dog do for me?
I’ve been wounded, but I’m still on active duty. Can I get a service dog?
What kinds of dogs are used?
What sort of training do they go through?
Why should I apply through VetDogs?
How do I apply for a service dog? What is the application process?
How long does it take to get a dog?
Where does the training take place?
What is the average working life of a service dog?
What types of follow-up services are available once I return home?

Who is eligible to receive a service dog?
Any wounded soldier who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces, and some active duty military personnel, who has been certified by his rehabilitation specialist that he or she requires the assistance of a service dog.

How much does service dog training cost?
There is no cost to you. There are no fees for your room and board during the training. You are responsible for your dog’s food and basic medical care after your training is completed.

I’m an amputee. What can a service dog do for me?
A service dog can aid you in many areas of your life. Physically, the dog can be trained to fetch and retrieve dropped items, to provide balance, and to carry a backpack (up to 18 lbs.). Emotionally, the dog provides companionship, independence, and a reason to keep moving forward. The animal can serve as an “icebreaker,” a way to help you readjust to civilian life by getting people to focus on the dog, rather than your disability.

I’ve been wounded, but I’m still on active duty. Can I get a service dog?
You will need to contact your commanding officer and get his approval, but we are training and will place service dogs with active duty personnel.

What kinds of dogs are used?
The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind breeds its own dogs through one of the world’s finest breeding and puppy raising programs. We use purebred Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and first generation Labrador/Golden and Labrador/Poodle crosses. We can, upon request, obtain German Shepherds from reputable outside sources.

What sort of training do they go through?
Each service dog we provide is trained for an individual’s particular requirements.

Why should I apply through VetDogs?
Certain benefits of the VetDogs program are available only to veterans enrolled through the VA. By applying through your local rehabilitation specialist, you ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. To ease the application process, the VetDogs program will accept all VA medical records and other supporting documentation in response to our medical requirements for applicants.

Our national outreach coordinator for the VetDogs program is a veteran himself and a graduate of the Foundation’s guide dog program. He understands your concerns and can relate to your experiences.

How do I apply for a service dog? What is the application process?
You may apply directly to the Foundation’s VetDogs program, but we suggest you contact your local VA rehabilitation specialist to ensure that you receive all the services you’re entitled to, and that there is a coordination of services.

You will fill out an application and provide us with a video (please click here to see our video assessment guidelines). Once we have received your application, you will be interviewed by one of our trainers to determine your needs.

How long does it take to get a dog?
Because service dogs are trained for your particular requirements, once your application is approved, it will take approximately four to six months to train your dog.

Where does the training take place?
Services are available at a variety of locations across the U.S., including Walter Reed Army Medical Center. We will work with you to determine where your needs will be best served while trying to accommodate your preferences.

What is the average working life of a service dog?
A dog’s career depends on how active you are. For a service dog you can expect the dog will have eight to 10 good working years.

What types of follow-up services are available once I return home?
Once you have gone through training with the Foundation’s VetDogs project, you are eligible for a lifetime of aftercare. Should you require follow-up training, our staff will arrange to work with you on any questions or concerns you might have in a prompt and professional manner, which may include a home site visit.

We at the Guide Dog Foundation and the VetDogs program recognize the sacrifices you have made for our nation, and we will do our part to see that your service dog will help you lead an active, independent life.

Click here to go to the VA main webpage