Our Process
Each family is unique. We are here to help you navigate the journey to service dog ownership.
Applications are now being accepted. This application window runs from Nov. 23 to Jan. 31, 2025. Visit the Apply & Free Webinar webpage for more infurmation.
Our application process is designed to make sure that each canine service companion is perfectly matched and custom trained for your family and special child. We provide personalized support for families starting at the inquiry stage, through the training period of both dog and family, and throughout the life of their Good Dog!
Please read about our process below before signing up for a Sit, Stay, Learn: Service Dog Infurmation Hour.
INFORMATION
Sit, Stay, Learn: Service Dog Infurmation Hour
At Good Dog! we like to meet with families in the beginning stages of their service dog search, as one of our goals is to help families navigate the process. During this hour long zoom meeting, we will cover general service dog information followed by specific information about Good Dog! Prior to your attendance, we encourage you to read the information below about our application process as well as the information on our website about the benefits of a service dog, and client eligibility.
OPTIONAL 1:1
Optional Individual Zoom Call
We are here to help families navigate the journey to service dog ownership. Good Dog! is run by a family with an autistic son, so we understand how overwhelming starting this journey can be. Our Client Services Director, Amanda, is a Good Dog! Mom herself and offers a 30 minute individual call for those who have additional questions after attending the Join a Sit, Stay, Learn: Service Dog Infurmation Hour.
APPLICATION
Application
After the Join a Sit, Stay, Learn: Service Dog Infurmation Hour, you will receive a follow-up email. If you think Good Dog! is the right organization for your family, follow the link to our application. In addition to the application, you will need to have a medical form completed by one of your child's medical professionals. The Application Committee will review the application and determine if the application should move on to the next step. There is a $30 application fee at the this stage.
REFERENCES + INTERVIEW
References & Interview
After your initial application is accepted, we will speak to three disability professionals who know you and your family well. Once completed, the Application Review Committee will review your references and determine if the application should move on to the next step.
You will then be notified via email if you are invited to set up a family interview. This video call is the last step in the application process. We will use the time to get to know you better, to learn more about your family, child, and needs, and to answer your questions. This interview will be done over zoom video with our Family Services Team. You will be notified shortly thereafter if you have been accepted into the Good Dog! program.
WAIT TIME
Wait Time
The typical wait time for a Good Dog! service dog is approximately 24 months. This wait officially starts when a family has paid or raised their fee-for-service. Due to our custom matching process, wait times can vary depending on the needs of the child and lifestyle of the family.
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising
At Good Dog!, we’re committed to making life-changing service dogs accessible to all families in need. It costs an average of $32,000 to raise, care for, and train each dog and to provide lifelong education and support for each family.
We offer two pathways to cover these costs: a fee-for-service program and a fundraising program for families needing financial assistance. Families who can pay the full service fee or have access to state funding contribute $32,000. For those in our fundraising program, families are asked to raise $26,000, with Good Dog! helping to secure the remaining amount. Our goal is for families to receive their service dogs at little to no cost, so we offer individualized coaching and resources to support those who wish to fundraise. Fundraising is never required; however, many families find that the love and support they receive through the process is a healing experience in itself.
Please note that Team Training expenses are not included in the program cost. Families are responsible for covering their travel, lodging, transportation and food expenses for the five-day Team Training in Southern California.
MATCHING & TRAINING
Matching and Custom Training
We know that each family, child, and dog is unique and so Good Dog! custom matches each dog with the unique needs and lifestyle of each family. We use a three tiered system to evaluate personality compatibility, the child’s specific needs, and family environment. Learn more >>>
Based on the tasks you would like the dog to perform, the special requirements of your child, and your family’s activity level and desires, we select a dog with just the right temperament, personality, and abilities to meet your family’s needs.
Families are eligible to be matched with a dog when they have raised or paid the $32,000 fee for service. When we have a match for you, we will meet with you to begin custom training the dog for your family and preparing you for Team Training. You will be matched approximately six months prior to your assigned Team Training date.
FETCH & TEAM TRAINING
FETCH Classes and Team Training
After you are matched with a dog, you will complete required reading and participate in online classes in preparation for Team Training, called FETCH (Family Education and Training Class at Home). This learning is encouraged for everyone in the household. You must have access to the internet and a webcam (or smart phone) to attend FETCH.
The primary handler will come to Southern California with a group of other handlers for a 5-day Team Training. Team Training is an immersive learning experience when you will go through classes on topics related to canine behavior, health, and psychology, hands-on sessions working with your dog, and field trips to practice handling the dog in public. At the end of team training you will graduate with your dog as a team and return with him to your child and family!
SUPPORT
Post-placement FETCH, Ongoing Support & Follow-up
We provide ongoing support and assistance to service dog teams for the life of the dog. Families are required to participate in post-placement FETCH classes, all ongoing support which includes, at a minimum, monthly follow-up contact for the first year after graduation and annual contact after that, including in-person or video visits. Families must have access to the internet and a webcam (or smart phone). Our Family Support team is always available by phone and email.