Before you Apply ...

Before you apply for a dog please take a moment to consider the following:

• An Assistance Dog takes a great deal of time and money to raise and train (12-24 months and $12,000-$24,000).
  
• The demand for Assistance Dogs is great. Many more people want Assistance Dogs than there are dogs available.
  
• Each dog is specially trained for a specific handler. A dog can't be "tried out" to see if an Assistance Dog fits into a client's lifestyle. That decision must be made prior to application.
  
• While an Assistance Dog is an adaptive device, he/she is also a living entity and will need lifetime care. They need to be fed, watered, walked and exercised daily, they need to be groomed at least weekly, their ears and teeth need cleaning, they need to see the veterinarian annually and as needed. Are you willing to care for this dog for many years to come?
  
• In order for your dog to do his/her job you may need to make accommodations to your living space like changing doorknobs, light switches, obtaining a portable phone or dialing device and will be required to fence your yard. Are you willing to make some changes to you environment?
  
• An Assistance Dog is trained to work with a person 24 hours a day/seven days a week. An Assistance Dog sleeps in the bedroom, rides in the car, goes to work, school, social events and on vacation. Do you intend to take the dog with you everywhere you go?

• Is everyone in the household comfortable with dogs? Is anyone allergic to dogs?
  
• Why do you think having an Assistance dog will enhance your independence?

The addition of an Assistance Dog to your life is a big decision. It is a large financial commitment including health care for your dog, equipment and modifications to your home environment (including fencing your yard). It is a large time commitment including attending Dogs In Service training, continued obedience and task training, grooming and exercising your dog. It is a large emotional commitment to add a dog to a busy household. The dog requires attention every day. The dog will sleep in the bedroom and will be with you - whatever room you are in. Please discuss this decision carefully with your family and with any health care aids you employ. Bringing a working dog into a home impacts the entire household.

If, after careful consideration and discussion with your family, you decide to apply:

• Please fill out the application.
• Enclose a video of yourself at home, at work/school and at leisure doing whatever hobbies you may have.
• Draw a rough diagram of the layout of each floor of your residence.

Special thanks to our friends at The Barker Lounge for their incredible generosity in fundraising for us.  Their hard work will help us with all of our programs.
	Dogs in Service 1271 Route 22 East - Suite 23, Lebanon, NJ 08833 908-996-9911 FAX 908-236-8883 barking@eclipse.net We'd love to hear from you, whether you need more information,   want to share your experiences with dogs in service, or just want to ask a question.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead