ADULTS & VETERANS

Chris Gill Barkley - Man with Service Dog Image

Am I eligible for a Service Dog? 

Service Dogs Alabama provides Service Dogs to Active Adults and post-911 Veterans who meet these criteria:

  • Are a resident of Alabama.

  • Have the ability and responsibility to care for and manage a dog on their own.

  • Has no history of violent behavior.

  • Has a disability that qualifies for a Service Dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Completes the application and meets the financial responsibilities. Veterans are not charged any fees due to federal funding. (see application process)

  • Has a recommendation for a Service Dog from an MD Doctor whom has treated them for at least six (6) months.

  • Passes a home inspection that certifies the living environment is safe and comfortable for a dog (fenced yards are required with few exceptions).

  • Passes a family interview to assure all family members are supportive.

  • Family has the financial means to support a Service Dog and the time required to assist in maintaining the dog’s training.

  • The lifestyle of the family is suitable for having a service dog.

  • Family agrees to the SDA Care and Training Guidelines.

  • Recipient and family agrees to attend a week long training at the time of the dog’s placement with recipient.

  • Recipient agrees to attend training sessions as requested by a SDA Trainer.

  • Recipient agrees to re-evaluation and re-certification requirements at our Training Facility in Hope Hull, AL annually for the first three years that he/she has his SDA service dog.

  • Recipient (or parent) commits annual check ins for the working life of the dog.

The Process to Apply:

  • Read the Qualifications to make sure that you qualify for a Service Dog.

  • Print the application, the funding agreement, doctor’s form, and two (2) recommendation forms from the SDA website, complete them, and mail them to Service Dogs Alabama, P.O. Box 310 , Falkville, AL 35622 with a $25.00 non-refundable application fee made payable to Service Dogs Alabama.

  • Have two (2) friends that you have known for over a year who are non-family members fill out the Letter of Reference Form on the Application and mail to us. 

  • Have your Medical Doctor fill out the Doctor’s form on the Application and mail to us. This must be a MD Doctor who has treated you for six (6) months or more. 

  • We will contact you via email upon receipt of your complete application.

  • We will schedule a Home Visit and Family interview after your Application review if you are be a good candidate for one of our Service Dogs. 

  • After your Home Inspection, we will notify you about any changes in your home environment that you need to make OR if no changes are necessary, we will notify you of your acceptance and instruct you on how to proceed.

  • Please keep in mind that it takes time to select and train a Service Dog for your specific needs. Wait times can vary from 1- 2 years. Your patience is greatly appreciated. 

Guarantees

All Service Dogs placed by SDA are 100% guaranteed to work for you or we will take them back within the first year and assign another dog to you. You will be provided with all Veterinary records for your dog. SDA does not guarantee the future health of your dog. At the time of placement, the recipient becomes responsible for all medical care for their service dog. If at any time you are unable to keep your service dog, you must return it to Service Dogs Alabama. All service dogs are transitioned to their recipient on a 30-day trial basis to make sure that particular dog is the right match for you. SDA reserves the right to repossess a service dog if we feel that it is being mishandled according to the Care and Training Guidelines provided to each recipient.

TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY TO APPLY, CLICK QUESTIONNAIRE BUTTON BELOW.

 

Questionnaire