Apply For A Service Dog
Simple, STRAIGHTFORWARD Application Process
At Highland Canine Service Dogs, we know that acquiring a Service Dog is a big decision. Our years of experience have also shown us how much our clients value an easy-to-understand application process.
On this page, you will find everything you need for an Adult Service Dog Application or Child Service Dog Application.
We have also provided an overview of our application process so you know what to expect at each stage.
Our process is designed to be as streamlined as possible, whilst gathering all of the information we need to provide you with a Service Dog who will truly enhance your quality of life.
If you have any questions about our application process, please use our contact form, email us at info@autismassistancedog.com, or call (704) 500-8281.
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Our Application Process
We have developed our application process over a number of years.
This process ensures we are able to successfully and effectively match applicants with a Service Dog who will fulfill their required tasks.
Below, you will find details of our five-step Service Dog application process.
- Send in your pre-application form. The form can be found on the website. Return the completed pre-application form to info@autismassistancedog.com, or to our mailling address:
Highland Canine Training
Attn: Service Dog Department
145 Foxfield Dr
Harmony, NC 28634 - Our Review Committee will review and approve your pre-application, or they will determine that our program is not a good fit for your family. Approval allows you to move on to Step 2: Application Packet.
- After approval of the pre-application, the next step is for you to complete an Application Packet. This comprises:
Photos/videos of the applicant
Family commitment letter
Script from primary physician
Five-day log
Veterinarian reference
Environmental checklist
Three letters of reference - It is vital that the Application Packet is filled out thoroughly and completely. This information is essential for us to move forward with your application.
- Based on the information in your Application Packet, our Review Committee will either approve you to receive one of our Service Dogs, or determine that our program is not a good fit for your family.
- Our application process is completely free.
- The final price will depend on the exact nature of the tasks to be trained. The Review Committee determines the final cost and the specific tasks to be trained.
- You will be provided with a training agreement and task addendum. If you agree, simply sign and return them to us.
- You will then be required to pay a $2,500 deposit, which will move you on to our waiting list. This deposit is deducted from the total cost of the Service Dog.
- Note that the cost of the Service Dog does not include your travel costs to visit Highland Canine Service Dogs during the matching progress (see below in Step 4), nor does it include costs for our team to deliver the Service Dog (Step 5).
- We source our puppies from reputable breeders when they are eight weeks old. This allows us to build solid fundamentals of obedience and socialization at the crucial stage of development.
- When you come to the top of our waiting list, we look for 6-7 month old puppies who we feel would be a good fit for your needs.
- You then come to visit our training center in Harmony, NC, where we match the puppy to you. This meeting usually takes 2-3 hours.
- We will confirm that the dog is a good match and “officially” match the Service Dog to you. At this point, you can change the name of the dog if you wish.
- Upon the official matching, half of the remaining cost of the dog is due.
- Our trainers will then work to train your Service Dog to reliably perform its given tasks.
- When your Service Dog is almost ready to be delivered, we will contact you to set up a 4-5 day delivery.
- During the delivery, two of our trainers will bring your Service Dog and teach you how to handle the dog, perform the tasks and maintain its training. We will also help to socialize the Service Dog in places they will regularly go to (workplace, school, church, etc.) so that the dog is comfortable in its new environment.
- You will receive training equipment, training videos, and a binder of training material during the delivery.
- At the end of the delivery, the remaining cost of the dog (plus delivery costs) are due.
- We have a lifetime guarantee on the training of your service dog. We are here to support you if you have any questions after your Service Dog is delivered.
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Adult Service Dog Application
Below, you will find the forms, checklists and resources related to our Adult Service Dog Application.
For our Adult Service Dog Application process, you will firstly fill out our Pre-Application form. This allows us to understand your circumstances and assess your suitability for our Service Dog program.
Upon approval of the pre-application, we will ask you to complete a full Application Packet.
Details of the Application Packet – and the required forms – are provided below.
If you have questions regarding the forms included in our application process, please use our contact form, email us at info@autismassistancedog.com, or call (704) 500-8281.
Adult Application Packet
The Application Packet – Information Sheet provides you with an overview of the information we require, and answers some frequently asked questions.
The Adult Application Packet Cover Sheet acts as a checklist for the information you need to provide in the packet.
The Family Commitment Letter shows that you understand your responsibilities as a Service Dog owner.
The Veterinarian Reference Form provides us with information about your current veterinarian.
The Five Day Log Template gives us a snapshot of your typical days, so we can better understand your circumstances.
The Environmental Checklist gives us more details on your living circumstances, hobbies and other items.
Child Service Dog Application
Below, you will find the forms, checklists and resources related to our Child Service Dog Application.
For our Child Service Dog Application process, you will firstly fill out our Pre-Application form on behalf of your child. This allows us to understand your child’s circumstances and assess their suitability for our Service Dog program.
Upon approval of the pre-application, we will ask you to complete a full Application Packet.
Details of the Application Packet – and the required forms – are provided below.
If you have questions regarding the forms included in our application process, please use our contact form, email us at info@autismassistancedog.com, or call (704) 500-8281.
Child Application Packet
The Application Packet – Information Sheet provides you with an overview of the information we require, and answers some frequently asked questions.
The Child Application Packet Cover Sheet acts as a checklist for the information you need to provide in the packet.
The Family Commitment Letter shows that you understand your responsibilities as a Service Dog owner.
The Veterinarian Reference Form provides us with information about your current veterinarian.
The Five Day Log Template gives us a snapshot of your child’s typical days, so we can better understand their circumstances.
The Environmental Checklist gives us more details on your child’s living circumstances, hobbies and other items.
The School Commitment Statement outlines the procedure for sending your child to school with their Service Dog.