Overview: Applying for an Assistance Dog

The multi-step application process lasts several months.  When an applicant is accepted as an assistance dog candidate, his or her application is kept on file until a suitable canine partner is available.

When a suitable canine partner is available Team Training begins. Team Training is designed to give the candidate the necessary skills and knowledge to handle and care for an assistance dog. Team Training lasts approximately 2 weeks.

Candidates are evaluated at the end of Team Training to determine if they can safely handle and care for their assistance dog partner.  Only those candidates demonstrating competence become clients.

Service dog teams are evaluated on a monthly basis for the first year and less frequently over the life of the partnership. Facility dog teams are evaluated less frequently. Follow up support is provided as needed.

Application Process overview

All applicants have the right to be considered for an assistance dog without regard to race, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, life expectancy and any other category protected by federal law, Colorado state or local laws.

Canine Partners of the Rockies has the right to terminate the application process and/or deny an application at any time.

1. Inquiry Form: Individual completes and submits an online Inquiry Form.

2. Telephone Interview: After receiving the Inquiry Form, an Applicant Review Committee (ARC) member will contact the individual to conduct a brief telephone interview.

3. Application Packet: Individual is invited to apply and application is sent. Application includes a $50 non-refundable fee, and asks for medical information, referrals and personal information.

4. Home Interview & Inspection: An in-home interview and inspection is conducted of applicants’ home. Two ARC members and a Canine Partners dog will be present. In the case of a facility dog an inspection of the work environment is also conducted.

5. In-Person Interview: Applicant is invited to Canine Partners’ facility in Aurora for an in-person interview with an ARC member and dog trainer.

6. Complete Application Received & Reviewed: Canine Partners considers the complete application process (application/references, home interview/inspection, in-person interview) when determining whether an applicant is to be accepted as a mobility service dog or facility dog candidate. The applicant is advised, and accepted candidates’ application materials are kept on file until a suitable canine partner is available.

7. Meet the Dogs: Candidates are invited to Canine Partners’ training facility to be introduced to several dogs in order to identify the best match.

8. Team Training: Candidates attend Team Training for approximately 2 weeks at Canine Partners’ training facility. Team Training is designed to give the candidate the necessary skills and knowledge to handle and care for an assistance dog. There is no placement fee for a mobility service dog. There is $5,000 placement fee for a facility dog, which is due on the first day of Team Training.
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Canine Partners also does not train emotional support dogs or personal dogs to become Mobility Service Dogs.