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• Criteria for applicants
• Application Process
• Applications
• Estimate of Expenses
• Fundraising

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Application Process

Service Dogs of Virginia Application Process

**Please Note: you must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia to apply. Thank you.**

1. Contact us via mail, phone, or e-mail; we will conduct an informal, preliminary interview with you, and answer any questions you have.
2. Submit an application and a $25, non-refundable application fee to SDV (you can submit this fee by clicking here). You can download the forms from our site, call to have an application mailed to you, or fill out the on-line application.
3. Completed Medical History Forms are returned to SDV.
4. We will review your application and call you to arrange a time for you to come to our training center. The purpose is three-fold: we will have a face-to-face meeting to increase our knowledge about you, you will have an initial “interview” with each dog and we will provide a demonstration of the dogs’ skills.
5. SDV contacts your references.
6. SDV visits your home for an interview
7. You demonstrate the ability to pay for the daily expenses of caring for a dog, including, but not limited to, food, vet care, heartworm medication, and replacement equipment.
8. SDV will determine whether you would benefit from one of our service dogs and will notify you by mail with the decision as to whether a Service Dog is appropriate.
9. After you are appr oved for a service d0g, you may be required to return to SDV to meet several potential dogs. You will also be required to meet with our client fund raising coordinator to refine your personal fundraising goals and plans.

It costs approximately $20,000 per year to raise and train a service dog.

Each recipient will pay a $500, non-refundable placement fee toward their service dog. No other fees are required for placement; however all clients are asked to partner with SDV in fundraising. You will be given resources and assistance with this effort. In addition, you must demonstrate the ability to pay for the daily expenses of caring for a dog, including, but not limited to, food, vet care, heartworm medication, and replacement equipment.

We endeavor to provide the most “perfect” match of a dog and client. When a suitable dog has been identified, we will contact you regarding participation in the next transfer camp.

The $500 placement fee is due prior to the start of transfer camp at which time you sign a contract for your dog. If you are unable to complete the training, these monies will not be refunded. The dog remains the property of SDV if transfer camp is not completed. For successful clients, ownership is granted after one year and successful passing of the re-certification test. Candidates who are unable to complete the transfer camp and/or the public access test will not be placed with a dog.