Your Journey With HSD
From exploring your options to building a successful service dog partnership.
1. Learn About HSD
Start by learning about our service dogs, the disabilities we serve, the tasks our dogs can perform, and our started service dog program.
Explore the website and decide whether our approach seems like a good fit for your needs.
2. Determine If HSD May Be a Good Fit
Every applicant and every service dog partnership is different.
We consider your disability-related needs, the tasks you need, your living situation, your ability to participate in continued training, and other factors that affect the success of the team.
LEARN ABOUT OUR REQUIREMENTS →
3. Apply
If you believe HSD may be a good fit, the next step is to submit an application.
Our application helps us learn more about you, your needs, and what you're looking for in a service dog.
4. Connect With HSD
After submitting your application, schedule a call with HSD.
This is an opportunity for us to learn more about your needs and for you to ask questions about our program. We will determine whether moving forward makes sense for both you and HSD.
We're looking for a good 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, and training are the best fit for your needs.
There is no "one dog fits all" approach.
The right service dog is a partnership.
6. Training & Partnership
Your dog's training doesn't end when you meet your dog.
You become an important part of the training process, 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
Service dog teams need to 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 ultimate goal isn't simply to place a Golden Retriever.
It's 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.