When considering a service dog for your child, these are some important things to think about.

  1. Do NOT just run out and get any dog thinking you will find a trainer later or that you'll train the dog yourself to save money. Unfortunately, most of the time this could result in headache & heartache, and you could end up with a failed service dog! And who has the time while caring for a special needs kid. "Any dog breed can be a service dog but not every dog is cut out to be a service dog" Slow down and do your research. We are in an ongoing process compiling a list of service dog trainers that we recommend and release grants to.
  2.  Do not call & choose any dog trainer. Not every dog trainer is qualified or experienced in working with dogs of children with special needs. Unfortunately there are trainers out there that may be great obedience trainers but have little to no experience training service dogs for children with special needs. Ask for references and experience in these areas.
  3. Think about the time it takes to really train a good service dog that will meet the specific needs of your special needs child. This process can take 1 - 3 years. Try not to be impatient and cut corners to save time. It will be worth the wait for your child. Patience Is Key.
  4.  A true fully trained service dog is not cheap. A lot of time & effort goes into training these wonderful service dogs. Expect for the cost to range between $10,000.00 to $50,000.00 depending on the time frame and tasks the dog must learn. However, with help you can do this.
    ==>Fundraising events, contribution boxes and campaigns with GoFundMe.com
    ==>Gifts from freinds and family
    ==>Grants from non profits like ours
    ==>Loans

    5. Coming soon we will share contact info with other granting organizations like ours.

  5. Not every family or child with special needs will benefit from having a service dog. Service dogs take a lot of time and work to look after they are home with your child. Consider carefully if you will have the time & energy to devote to opening your life to a service dog. Also service dogs, while super heroes in their own way, cannot cure your child or work miracles and in most cases if you have a younger or severely limited child you will be the service dogs main handler / caregiver. You need to ensure you have the time to do this.
  6. We also have a grant program to help offset expenses related to medical equipment not covered or denied by insurance.

What is the application process?

  • Step 1; Submit a pre-application
  • Step 2; Once we receive your pre app, we review it with our board. Then we'll arrange a Zoom or in-person meeting with you to discuss it further.
  • Step 3; You'll submit a more detailed application which would include doctors referrals and service dog training facility.
  • Step 4; Upon application approval, we'll disburse the funds to the training facility.
  • Step 5; Tips & tricks to fundraising if needed.

Grant Pre-Application

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Address of Applicant:
What is the application process?
Step One: Pre application.
Step Two: Once we receive your pre-app, we review it with our board then set up a zoom or in-person meeting to talk further.
Step Three: More detailed application which would include a doctor referrals and training facility information.
Step Four: Upon application approval, funds dispersed to dog training facility.
Step Five: Tips & tricks to fundraising if needed.