Process for Applying for a Service Dog
Step 1: Fill Out a General Inquiry Form
This is just a general form that we will work off of to get you a quote for services. The quote will be based on the type of service dog you are applying for and the tasks that the dog will be being trained for specifically. This quote will also be determined by if we are supplying you a dog and raising it, we are supplying our dog to you, but you are raising it yourself until the time of advanced training, and in home companion versus a public access service dog.
Option 1 - We Supply Your Fully Trained Trained Service Dog
This is the traditional way we have been able to raise service dogs for over 25 years now. This is when a foster applies to become a volunteer trainer for us and we educate them on how to properly raise a future service dog. The volunteer trainer then holds the same public access rights as the person with the disability due their training under our direction (non-profit organization holding a certificate of liability insurance). This option is beneficial for our families who would not have the ability to raise their own puppy through the puppy stages for multiple reasons. This quote includes us supplying the trained service dog, equipment, and the client placement class here at our facility.
Option 2 - Raise Your Own Puppy Under Our Direction
This is when the client under our direction will raise their own puppy towards the future life as a service dog. We understand this is not an option for every client, however we have found over the years some clients really enjoy this option and are able to be successful under our direction. There are many benefits to the client raising their own puppy including the dog getting quickly bonded with the person who will be getting the service dog. Other benefits include the puppy is socialized according to the clients needs and the family's daily schedule with their daily public outings out in the community. In this option the client is taking place of the foster/ volunteer trainer. We supply the right dog for you and then under our direction we will advise and educate you on how to raise your puppy accordingly and take the liability during that time. When the puppy is ready for advanced training, they will return back to our facility to begin their specific task training which will be an approximate 3 month time frame. This quote for service will include the puppy, the advanced training, equipment, and client placement class here at our facility. The client will be financially responsible for food, vet bills, and monthly meds therefore there will be a deduction in the quote of service.
Step 2: Fill Out An Application
Once you have received the quote and decide you would like to move forward with applying for a service dog, the next step is filling out an application. The application is more in-depth than the general inquiry form. This will include a match form that will be used when evaluating and assessing the dogs in the program to which breed, energy level, and personality that would best fit you or your child. We will require a prescription from your physician stating on their letterhead that they believe you (your child) would benefit from a service dog along with their signature.
Step 3: Phone Interview
Once we receive the application and process it, we will schedule a phone interview with you. This is where we will better discuss any questions that you have and any we may have regarding your need's and training. Sometimes this step may happen before you fill out your application.
Step 4: Sign Contract
When services are agreed upon a contract for the agreement of services will be sent to you and returned back to us.
Our Wait List
The timeline for placement depends on a few variables. The process begins when we receive payment or a deposit. We work with a small, limited number of breeders and also have a small breeding program so it would depend on what breed and temperament the client would need and if we have that dog already in training or not. If a match is made with a dog that is already in foster that has not been matched with another client yet due to no application matching the dog then the timeframe would simply depend on how long it takes you to make payment and then the time of the specific task training for the client's needs. For us to pick a puppy and raise it from 8 weeks of age, it is usually ready to be placed around 12-15 months once we begin the process. Every dog is different in this, just as people are.
The Matching Process
Breeds
Making the Match
Making the Match
In our service dog program, we work and place Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Doodles, and at times German Shepherds per request with the right client. Due to the request for doodles that are not all due to allergy purposes we do require a positive allergy test from your physician before we can guarantee you are matched with a doodle. We take into great consideration what breed of choice is preferred but sometimes that breed is not always the best fit for the tasks you need the dog to do. If you have questions on this we can discuss it more at the time of the phone interview.
Making the Match
Making the Match
Making the Match
The actual match of the dog to the client will be made when the dog is in advanced training, unless the client is raising their own dog. During the time of 8 weeks of age to advanced training, we are constantly assessing and evaluating the puppies, however there are so many variables that go into picking the right match for the client. Those variables can change before advanced training and sometimes even during. During the first couple of weeks that the dogs return to our facility for advanced training we will be working to really get to know the dogs' abilities, personality, sensitivity, drive, natural skills, and of course the dogs' maturity level. We will be testing them onsite, in home, and out in public. This may take a few weeks before we have the match. We do not want to make a match prematurely and disappoint a client therefore we will not rush this part of the process. Once we have made the match you will receive an email with your match, photos, class date, instructional class videos and supply list. If you are on the list for delivery and in home instructional training, we will give that date as soon as we can. Clients who are doing delivery are schedules around class dates.
Fundraising Requirements
We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Therefore, all funds raised will be contributed to the organization's operating needs to fulfill the requirements of placing a service dog for you or your child. Some of our clients have received funding through different kinds of non-profit foundations and some county waivers. This will be your responsibility to check if you or your child qualifies for these resources. We are more than happy to give you some suggestions if you need.
All fundraising events can make checks payable to Dulebohn Service Dogs.
Payment Process
The process of training will begin once we receive payment in full or a deposit. The deposit allows us to start the process. The payment option schedule is detailed below. Final payment is due 2 weeks prior to placement class. When you are ready to proceed with the deposit you can mail a check to us:
Dulebohn Service Dogs
15473 Cemetery Rd
Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895
Or an invoice can be sent to your email through our secure square account, and you can pay with a debit/credit card.
Most organizations require full funding or payment before the process begins. To help with our waitlist and to allow clients the flexibility to get the application process started sooner we offer a payment plan option in which the contracted amount is made in 3 separated payments. (Initial deposit, enabling us to get the process started without the client having to pay in full. Second deposit, due when the dog begins advanced training and the match is made. Third and final deposit, due 2 weeks before placement.)
If you are interested in delivery instead of the client placement class, that will be quoted separately.
All payments are non-refundable. All payments made towards an application can be placed on hold for a future service dog or can be transferred to another client's service dog account balance.
Client Placement Class
Family Class
Family Class
Family Class
This class would be where you travel here to Ohio at our facility, and this will be a class for multiple families. This class will be 4-5 days long. This is included in your quote.
Delivery
Family Class
Family Class
This option you choose for us to deliver the dog to you and work with you in your home that will approximately last 3-4 days of instructional time. There is an additional fee for delivery and is not included in tour quote. Please let us know if this is something you are interested in, and we will give you a separate quote for delivery. This option does not need to be determined at the time of signing the contract but does need to be decided when the match is made at the time of advanced training. We only offer so many deliveries a year, so once the openings are full you will be required to attend class here at our facility. Deliveries are on a first come first serve basis.
Ownership of the Dog
Many service dog organizations own the dogs even after placement with the client. Once you come to class and meet all the requirements of the certification process you are given ownership of your dog. We do not own your service dog once you leave our facility.
Thank You!
Thank you for your time in reading more about who we are and what the process is in applying for a service dog with us. We understand that this is a very big decision and responsibility to consider receiving a service dog. The commitment you are about to make will be life changing, which is why we are committed to educating not just the dogs but also you so that you do not lack the confidence as a handler and can be a successful service dog team. We have always strived to educate teams so that our dogs are lifesaving tools, but also a true best friend and companion along the way. This is not a job or career, this is a way of life for us and we love what we do!
We look forward to working with you!
The Dulebohn Family
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