How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in obtaining a service or facility dog from Service Dogs of Virginia. Before initiating the application process, please read about our five types of dogs we train. This will help you understand if we can train a dog to fulfill your specific needs.

Once you have read about the five types of dogs we train and you decided you'd like to apply, please follow the steps below. These steps will aid in establishing suitable expectations regarding handling a service or facility dog. Incorporating a service or facility dog into your lifestyle is a significant responsibility. Although there are numerous benefits, several considerations need to be taken into account to confirm if obtaining a service dog is the right decision for you.

Please note that Service Dogs of Virginia does not train for the following: Guide work for the blind, Hearing dogs for those with hearing impairment(s), seizure alert/response, balance support while walking, allergy detection, Psychiatric Service Dogs, provide supervision, navigation, or safety from environmental hazards, aggression or personal protection, soley for emotional comfort or social support, and does not provide owner training.

All applicants who apply to receive a service dog from Service Dogs of Virginia will be considered on an individual basis to determine if our program is a good fit for their needs and lifestyle. Service Dogs of Virginia does not discriminate or deny services to individuals in relation to their: race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, socio-economic status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.