SERVICE DOGS OF VIRGINIA WEIGHT PROTOCOL
Step A: Weight Plan Begins
SDV will provide a weight loss or gain plan.
You will have 5 months to help your dog reach the agreed-upon target weight.
Step B: Monthly Progress Reports
You must submit a monthly weight report for 5 months. (The report form is at the bottom of this page.)
After 2 months, SDV will review your dog’s progress:
If progress is being made:
Continue submitting monthly reports through Month 5.
In Month 5, you must also send official weight documentation from your veterinarian.
Email the documentation to Caroline at the SDV office.
After completing Month 5, move to Step D.
If no progress is made after 2 months:
You may be required to take your dog to the vet for a blood panel and thyroid test.
After SDV reviews the results, you will either:
Continue monthly reporting (Step B), or
Move to Step C.
Step C: Foster Care
Your dog will be placed with a foster family until the target weight is reached.
Once the dog reaches the correct weight, it will be returned to you.
You will then start again at Step B with monthly reports.
Step D: Weight Maintenance
After your dog reaches the target weight:
Submit one weight report at 3 months post-Step B.
Submit a second weight report at 6 months post-Step B, which must include official documentation from your vet.
If the dog’s weight is again outside the healthy range, SDV will determine the next steps.
The dog may be returned to SDV if the issue continues.