Service Dog Retirement — Service Dogs of Virginia
Service Dogs of Virginia

Service Dog Retirement

We know this decision is tough. We're here to support you and your dog through every step of this transition.

Your dog may continue to work through pain because they want to please you — but you don't want their inability to work to affect your independence or limit your activities. When you begin thinking about retirement, we ask that you use our checklist, starting at your dog's 8th birthday, and revisit it each year after.

When you decide to retire your dog, please let SDV know and review the retirement options below. Planning ahead — including training a successor dog — can help ease pressure during what can be an emotional time. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Successor Dog Policy

Current graduates get priority

Current graduates of Service Dogs of Virginia requesting a replacement dog will be given priority over new applicants.

Graduates applying for a successor dog should update the information sheet and medical records forms of the application, but may skip the reference and application review committee steps. A home interview may be required, especially if you have moved or if home-life circumstances have changed.

SDV may decline to place a successor dog if the previous dog was not cared for adequately, or if the client does not demonstrate that their life was improved by having their previous service dog.

Ready to apply for a successor dog? Email us at clients@servicedogsva.org to request a Successor Dog Application.
Retirement options for your dog
1
Keep your retired dog

Retired service dogs can become wonderful family pets with a few minor adjustments. Here are some things to consider:

  • Does your housing situation allow for a large pet dog? Once retired, your dog is considered a pet and is not covered under ADA — many apartments restrict pet size.
  • If you choose to work with a successor dog, is your home large enough to comfortably house two dogs?
  • Can you manage the care of two dogs, including the time and attention an older dog with medical needs may require?
  • Can you financially support two dogs? Food, vet care, medicines, and specialty items add up — and older dogs typically need more care. We highly encourage keeping pet insurance on your retired dog.

There are solutions for all of these concerns. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about keeping your dog.

2
Find your dog a retirement home

You can retire your dog to a home of your choice with SDV's approval. A few things to keep in mind:

  • The dog belongs to the new family unless previous arrangements have been made.
  • The new family may make different choices about care, food, and routines — all you can do is offer suggestions.
  • A retired dog's behavior out of the vest may be different from what you're used to. If the new home doesn't work out, please return the dog to SDV and we'll find another home.

SDV requires the new owner's yard to be fenced and for them to complete a Released Dog Application. SDV may perform a home visit or meet potential owners before approving. You may not sell your dog to new owners.

3
Retire your dog with SDV

If you are unable to keep your dog or find an appropriate home, SDV is happy to help. We'll often first ask your dog's puppy raiser or night-and-weekends person if they'd like to welcome the dog home. If that's not possible, we have a vetted list of adopters.

All applications are reviewed and adopters are screened to find the best match. We may invite families to visit SDV to spend time with your dog and learn basic handling skills. We'll let you know when we find a loving home, and will share contact information if both parties wish.

Retirement procedures
Keeping your dog or placing with an approved new home
  1. 1Return vest(s) to SDV
  2. 2Complete the Retired Dog Form
  3. 3Send latest vet report to SDV
  4. 4Transfer insurance and HomeAgain policy to new owner if rehoming
  5. 5Keep SDV informed of any health conditions — this information influences future breeding decisions
  6. 6Inform SDV of your dog's passing
SDV is rehoming your dog
  1. 1Bring dog to SDV with vest(s), latest vet report, food, medication, supplements, and treats
  2. 2Complete the Retired Dog Form
  3. 3Contact SDV to find out who to transfer your dog's insurance and HomeAgain policy to, and complete that transfer
Health conditions matter beyond retirement Please keep SDV informed of any health conditions that arise after retirement. Future breeding decisions are influenced by the health conditions of related pedigrees.