How to Apply

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN

Applications are now open until August 23, 2026 for all programs except Autism Service Dogs.

Before You Start Your Application

Things you need to know

  • Applications are accepted in January, May, and August only

  • Our waitlist is approximately 2-3 years.

  • Please note that Service Dogs of Virginia does not train guide dogs, hearing dogs, seizure or balance support dogs, allergy detection, psychiatric service dogs, protection or personal safety dogs, emotional support animals, nor do we provide owner training.

  • We only place service dogs with residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia

  • 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.

  • We accept applications three times a year — in January, May, and August. Applications are now being accepted until August 23, 2026 for all programs except Autism Service Dogs.

    Start The Application Process

  • During the preliminary phone interview, we will determine if a service dog appears to be a suitable match. If so, we will send you Part 2 of the application by email or mail.

  • Please complete your portion of the application and submit it along with the $100 non-refundable fee. You may also request an upload link and pay the fee online.

    Submission instructions can be found within the applicatio

  • Once your application is complete, we’ll schedule an interview (in-person or virtual) to get to know you, introduce you to our dogs-in-training (if in-person only), and answer your questions. Virtual interviewees may need to visit our facility to meet the dogs before placement decisions.

    Afterward, we’ll contact your references and healthcare providers.

    Autism and PTSD interviews are on the third Wednesday each month; all others on the third Tuesday.

  • SDV will conduct a home, workplace, and/or facility visit. Visits are grouped by region and may take up to 3 months to schedule.

  • After the home visit, SDV will assess whether a service dog is a suitable match. We will notify you of our decision within 2 weeks of the visit.

Application Process

Step-by-step infographic outlining the employment application process, including steps: Read, Exchange Information, Phone Interview, Complete Application, In-person or virtual Interview, Selection Review, and Home/Facility Visit, with icons and descriptions for each step.

What to expect if accepted

  • Once your application is accepted, you will be added to our waitlist. Please note that the current estimated wait time is approximately two years.

    At Service Dogs of Virginia, we take great care to match each client with a dog that will enhance their independence and quality of life. Many factors are considered to ensure the best possible match, including the client’s needs, lifestyle, and temperament, as well as the unique qualities of each dog in training. Our goal is to create strong, successful partnerships between our clients and their dogs.

  • After a match is made, training begins tailored to the client’s specific needs. Trainers use the Needs Assessment and client input to teach the dog tasks that support the client’s independence and daily life. Our training standards exceed industry norms. If a dog does not meet these standards, the client will be matched with a more suitable dog.

  • Once a dog is identified and training is complete, Service Dogs of Virginia will schedule a two-week Transfer Camp in Charlottesville, VA. During this time, the client and dog begin working together under the guidance of our trainers. Clients learn how to handle, communicate with, and care for their dog in real-life situations.

    When the team demonstrates proficiency in the required tasks, they are certified as an official SDV Team.

    At this time, Service Dogs of Virginia does not provide housing during Transfer Camp.

  • Service Dogs of Virginia is committed to supporting our teams beyond certification. Clients can contact us at any time for assistance, whether they need help with new tasks or refresher training on existing ones. SDV teams also participate in scheduled evaluations to ensure they continue to meet the highest standards of teamwork and performance.

  • When a dog retires or passes away, clients may apply for a Successor Dog. Priority is given to these clients for available dogs to continue supporting their independence.