apply for a released dog

We appreciate your interest in Service Dogs of Virginia’s (SDV) Released Dog program. We do not often release dogs and when we do, released dogs are often adopted by their puppy raiser. However, if the puppy raiser is unable to adopt the dog, we refer to our list of released dog applicants for a suitable placement. Before filling out the form, please be sure you meet the following requirements:

  • We will only place released dogs to residents of the state of Virginia.

  • A $2000 placement fee is required for each released dog.

  • You must have a fenced in yard.

Additional Information

  • Dogs are released because they are not suitable for service dog work. We fully disclose the reason each dog is released.

  • We endeavor to visit all homes so priority is given to applicants who live within a 30-minute driving radius of Charlottesville.

The following application will allow us to better understand your home situation. Please answer all questions thoroughly, and contact us with any questions.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Primary Phone*

Secondary Phone

Why do you want to adopt a released dog from SDV?*

Have you ever owned a dog before?*

We require all our dogs to go to homes with fenced in yards. Please check the check box to confirm that you have a yard fenced with a fence that is at least 4 feet hight.*

Describe your home/property. Do you live in an apartment, single family home with yard, farm... are you in a neighborhood?*

List the name, relation, and age of members of your household. (include spouse/partner)*

If you have children living in your home, are they comfortable around dogs?

List below all animals that are part of your household (living indoors or out) and describe the temperament of each. *



Does everyone in your household go to work/school outside of the home during the week? If not, indicate who is home during the weekdays. If so, indicate how (or by whom) the dog will be given an opprotunity for a bathroom break mid-day. *

How many hours a day, on average, will the dog be left alone? Where will he be left during that time?*

How much exercise can you give the dog each day? What type of exercise?*

Who will care for the dog when you are traveling or away from home for more than 24 hours?*



I agree that I will not portray the released dog as a service dog. Any person who knowingly and willfully fits a dog with a harness, collar, vest, or sign, or uses an identification card commonly used by a person with a disability, in order to represent that the dog is a service dog or hearing dog to fraudulently gain public access for such dog pursuant to provisions in § 51.5-44 is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.*

Are you willing to provide the dog with regular vet care (yearly exams, heartworm and flea and tick preventative, etc.)?*

We require our dogs to have health insurance for the duration of their lives. Monthly premiums are approximately $50-$70 per month. Are you willing to maintain insurance for your dog?*

The average cost of caring for, feeding, and grooming a dog is about $2000 a year. With this in mind, can you afford to care for a dog?*

SDV charges a one-time fee of $2000 for a released dog. Are you willing and able to pay this fee?*

Is there any additional information you'd like to share?