FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does ASA offer professionally trained dogs?
Yes, we provide fully trained Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs (sometimes called Comfort Dogs).
Where does ASA obtain the assistance dogs?
Our commitment to providing high-quality dogs is unwavering. We carefully select our dogs from reputable breeders, trainers, puppy donations, and organizations. Each dog undergoes a rigorous set of criteria and evaluation testing to ensure that they meet our standards.
What breeds does ASA train?
We provide hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic breed options. Hypoallergenic breeds include (but are not limited to) Poodles, and Poodle mixes such as Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Non-hypoallergenic breeds may include (but are not limited to) Labradors, Golden Retrievers.
What traits is ASA looking for when finding an assistance dog for me?
Ensuring the dog is the perfect match for the recipient is what we do best. We account for many factors when matching the service dog to their new recipient. Lifestyle, exercise options, goals, housing, and family members (caregivers) needs are all taken into consideration. Working drive, energy level, hypoallergenic requirement, exercise requirements, age, health, size, and temperament are all considered when choosing the appropriate dog.
Is there an age restriction for the recipient?
No, we do not have an age restriction for the recipients. Assistance dogs can help in a plethora of different ways. These dogs are trained to assist the recipient, but they are also incredibly beneficial to the recipient’s family, friends and caregivers. The most important aspect for those receiving the assistance dog, is to ensure that they provide benefits when and where they’re needed.
How do I apply to receive a trained Service Dog, Emotional Support Dog or Therapy Dog?
Complete our application; the application fee is $40. The process for submitting an application is detailed below:
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Click the "apply now" button below or visit our "apply" page under "application" on the site menu.
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Fill out the "ASA Service Dogs Trained Program Dog Application" form on our website.
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Click "Submit & Pay"
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You will be prompted to pay the $40.00 application fee via credit card. Your payment is protected via SSL Secure Payment.
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Then the full application will be sent via e-mail automatically after payment.
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Please follow the email instructions and download the PDF file of the full application.
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Complete the form and then send the completed application to asaservicedogs@gmail.com
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You will receive a response e-mail containing the following information: a list of tasks and commands the service dogs will perform, the estimated training time, the estimated waiting list time, and the cost.
How much will my trained Service Dog, Emotional Support Dog, or Therapy Dog cost?
The donation requirement for our assistance dogs varies based on each recipient’s unique needs. A trained assistance dog will range between $10,000 to $25,000.
That is a wide range, how do I know exactly how much the dog will cost?
After you complete our application, we will respond with a customized training plan including the cost, estimated wait time, and list of command and tasks that the assistance dog will perform uniquely for the recipient.
What if I don’t have the funds?
Most of our recipients have raised full or partial funds by fundraising, corporate matching, and by acquiring grants and financial assistance.
Why do assistance dogs cost so much?
Training time can range from 6 moths to 2 years. Boarding a dog for 6 months at $50 a night (the average boarding costs for 24 hour climate controlled and in-home supervision) costs the organization $9,125 ($36,500 for 2 years), that’s not including the 300 to 1800 hours of advanced professional training per dog, high quality dog food, vet care, and the purchase of these temperament and health tested dogs.
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ASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Any money received goes directly into the organization to help us help others. We rely on donations from outside sources to help us keep the costs low.
How long does it take to learn how to work with the trained dog?
An ASA trainer will provide a minimum of two days of service dog handler education before the dog is released from the organization. This intensive handler course is private (not a group class) with an professional service dog trainer. In-person follow up visits are highly recommended within 6-12 months of SD placement.
What if I need help with training in the future?
The assistance dog training is guaranteed for the working life of the dog. This means ASA will be available for questions, concerns, issues, and refresher training (on ASA business days), for the entire working life of your dog. Refresher training is available at our Lakeland Florida location by appointment.
Do you offer certifications?
While there is no certification or registry for service dogs in the US, we do we offer a "testing day" for our assistance dogs. Each testing is video documented; the team (which includes the dog and all handlers) must be present to receive certificate of training completion. We keep this on file as verification of training when asked by airlines, schools, housing etc.
Does my service dog go with me everywhere I go?
Yes service dogs are legally allowed to accommodate you in public locations including restaurants, hotels, beaches etc.
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Although they are allowed to accommodate you everywhere you go, this does not mean that they have to accommodate you everywhere you go!
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Service Dogs are an incredibly beneficial tool to be used, when and where they are needed. The service dog and handler bond is something that initially takes time to develop. Practice, practice, practice is required before most people feel confident handling their assistance dog. The recipient must learn how to “read” the dog. The dog must learn how to adjust to their new person’s command variations, habits, walking patterns, noises, etc. Good habits must be formed.
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We recommend taking the time to become a great handler before taking your service dog to places that may cause stress for both of you. It can be very difficult for a new handler to focus on their dog when they have an agenda such as shopping, traveling, working, test taking etc.; practice at the grocery store, but only when you don’t have to go shopping! Once you are confident in your handing skills and what to expect in response from your service dog, then you will be ready to take your service dog with you everywhere you go!
Can I obtain a dog from ASA if I already own a dog or another animal?
Yes we allow placement of assistance dogs in homes that own other animals. The animals must not display any aggression and be well controlled.