Browse our most frequently asked Service Dog questions
Your first step would be to complete the application process, consisting of a Preliminary Application then a more in-depth Packet Application. You can find our preliminary applications, as well as more information about the application process here.
The price depends upon the type of training and tasks the dog will need. Our service dogs typically start at $15,900 and the tasks are decided during the application process.
Our autism assistance dogs start at $15,900. This price can increase with the need for additional and substantial training (this is uncommon).
Yes! In addition to autism assistance, we also train:
Our current waiting list is approximately 18-24 months beginning with your first deposit and ending with the delivery of your trained service dog. During this time, we will test and select a match for you and you will have the opportunity to meet the dog to ensure everyone agrees it is a good match.
After acceptance into the program, we require a $2,500 deposit and signed training agreement to hold a spot on the waiting list. This deposit contributes to the total cost of the dog.
Next, the trainers will acquire the dog for you during the last few months on the waiting list. If you agree that the dog is a good match, we require 50% of the total cost of the dog to begin its specialized training.
Lastly, once the training is complete, you can either come to our facility to pick up the dog and receive training or we can deliver the dog to your home. Upon delivery, the balance of the dog/training cost is due.
No. Due to the high demand of service dogs, every family must start at the bottom of the list. Once you are close to the top of the list, we will begin searching for a dog to fit your needs.
The majority of our clients use fundraising as the main source of payment. Most families use helpful sites such as gofundme.com alongside social media to spread the fundraiser. Other families have also used community fundraisers through local businesses, auctions, churches, etc.
For more fundraising options, refer to this guide.
We do not have an age limit for our service dog clients, as every individual case is different. Generally, we ask that the child be at least 3.5 years of age before sending in an application for an Autism Assistance Dog. However, we do look into each applicant’s situation and base our decision off of the unique needs of each person as an individual.
We do not have an age limit for our service dog clients, however we do accept applicants into our program based on the need for a service dog and the type of tasks we can train a dog to do to help. Your first step would be to complete the application process. This gives us a good foundation of understanding about your lifestyle and needs.
We are not breed specific, putting more emphasis on finding the right dog with the necessary drive, temperament, personality, size, etc. However, we do tend to train a majority of Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, and Labradoodles.
Once the training is complete, you can either come to our facility to pick up the dog and receive training or we can deliver the dog to your home. Delivery is preferred by a majority of our clients, but requires reimbursement of travel expenses for the trainers.
Though we do take specific preferences into account, we cannot guarantee the exact physical traits of the dog. The highest importance must be that the dog is a great match in personality, temperament, and has the correct drive for the job. If, for any reason, a very specific physical preference is necessary, it is possible that it could significantly increase the wait time.
Only 501(c)(3) organizations are permitted to apply for ADI accreditation, so Highland Canine Service Dogs is currently not accredited by the ADI. For more information, please refer to our summary on this topic.