Your Journey With HSD
From Your First Questions to a Successful Service Dog Partnership
Getting a service dog is a process—not a single event.
At Hope Service Dogs, we take the time to learn about you, understand your needs, find the right dog, and help you develop the skills needed to work successfully as a team.
1. Learn About HSD
Start by exploring our approach to service dogs.
Learn about:
The disabilities we serve
Service dog tasks
Started service dogs
Our training philosophy
Our program requirements
The more you understand about HSD, the better you can determine whether our program is right for you.
2. Determine If HSD Is a Good Fit
Every applicant and every service dog team is different.
We consider factors such as your disability-related needs, the tasks you need, your living situation, your ability to participate in ongoing training, and other factors that contribute to a successful partnership.
3. Apply
If you believe HSD may be a good fit, the next step is to complete an application.
Your application helps us learn about you, your needs, and what you're looking for in a service dog.
4. Connect With HSD
After submitting your application, you'll have an opportunity to connect with HSD.
We'll learn more about your needs, answer your questions, and determine whether moving forward makes sense for both you and HSD.
We're looking for the right match—not simply filling a spot.
5. Find the Right Dog
If you're accepted into the program, we work toward identifying the dog whose temperament, abilities, training, and needs are the best fit for you.
There is no one-dog-fits-all approach.
The right service dog is a partnership.
6. Training & Partnership
Training doesn't end when you meet your dog.
You become an important part of your dog's continued development, learning how to communicate with your dog, reinforce skills, maintain training, and work together as a team.
For started service dogs, additional training is required after placement.
LEARN ABOUT STARTED SERVICE DOGS
7. Public Access & Team Development
A service dog team must be prepared to work safely and appropriately in public.
Training continues as you and your dog develop reliability, confidence, and teamwork.
8. Your Service Dog Partnership
The goal isn't simply to place a Golden Retriever.
The goal is to create a successful service dog team.
Your dog becomes a working partner who helps mitigate your disability through specifically trained tasks.
And HSD wants to see that partnership succeed.
Ready to Begin?
If you've explored HSD and believe our program may be a good fit, we're ready to hear from you.
Not ready to apply yet?
That's okay. Continue exploring our service dogs, disabilities we serve, tasks, and program requirements.