OBTAINING A SERVICE DOG
We partner our students with disabilities with professionally trained service dogs.
Our certified instructors provide students and their new service dogs with 14 days of
individualized instruction either at our main office or in-home placements - and lifetime follow up and support.
Students accepted into the program spend approximately two weeks bonding and training with their new service dog
under the watchful eye of our certified instructors at a student to trainer ratio of 3 to 1. A bond of love, trust
and devotion forms between the disabled handler and the dog as they become a team.
We provide the dog, equipment, outings, instruction and post-graduation support
completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our important contributors.
The average working life of a service dog is eight years, and the majority of our graduates may obtain multiple service
dogs from SDFL through out their life.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must be a legally disabled individual desiring independent travel or assistance through the use of
a service dog, in good health, at least 16 years of age, and emotionally stable.
New Students
We only offer our services to residents of Florida. We are a local school, serving the local population.
Returning Students
Active graduates of Service Dogs of Florida who reside in one of the 48 contiguous US states are also eligible for
our services.
Training Time for Handler
Fourteen (14) days is the required training time for a first time student. Twelve days is required for
retraining if the student has been successful with a service dog for a minimum of five years.
Costs
The service dog and the training are offered free of charge* to most disabled depending on their income.
After graduation, the maintenance of the service dog becomes the responsibility of the graduate.
Approximate annual cost: $1000.
*Our financial assistance program is offered to all applicants, a small number have a large income and are required to
pay a percentage of the costs to raise and train the service dog.
Apply
To learn more about our admissions process and begin the appliation process,
click here.
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