How to Get a Service Dog at Medical Mutts

The Process of Getting Your Fully Trained Service Dog

• Step 1: Learn and Decide

Before embarking on the journey to get a service dog, it's crucial to gather all the information you need to see if it's the right choice for you. Service dogs are amazing companions, but they require dedication and commitment. They are not a good option for everyone.

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• Step 2: Submit an Application (No Obligation)

Once you're ready, start by filling out our application. This helps us understand your needs and preferences, allowing us to match you with the perfect service dog candidate.

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• Step 3: The Interview

We'll reach out to schedule an interview, which typically takes about an hour and costs $120. It's a great idea to involve other family members if possible. During this interview, we'll delve deeper into your requirements and get to know you better. You will also have a chance to talk to a professional, get all your questions answered, and make sure this is a viable solution for your situation. Many people tell us this conversation alone helps them feel clearer about whether a service dog is the right fit.

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• Step 4: The Contract & Cost

After the interview, we’ll send you a contract outlining the details of your placement and next steps. please note that down payment is required only once you decide to move forward.

Training a fully prepared service dog requires months of conditioning, veterinary care, screening, and staff support. Because of this, the true cost of producing a service dog is substantial. Client fees cover only a portion of these expenses—our donors and grant partners help subsidize the rest so we can keep services as accessible as possible.
Final costs vary depending on individual needs and training requirements, and we review these details with you during the interview process.

Here’s what is included in the overall training investment:

• Extensive temperament screening and nationwide rescue sourcing

• Veterinary care, preventatives, spay/neuter, and microchipping

• Months of daily training, including public access and specialized medical-alert or task work

• All training equipment: kennel, bedding, collars, leashes, toys, vests, patches, ID badge, and more

• Transportation, enrichment, community outings, and real-world practice

• An 11-day in-person team-training program at our facility

• All clients receive ongoing support after placement, including scheduled check-ins and continued access to our team.

• A no-cost replacement guarantee if the initial match does not work out

Some clients obtain additional assistance through their state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Office, and in certain states, these programs may cover the full cost of services.

If cost or timing is a concern, we also offer more budget-friendly paths to train your own dog (see options below).

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• Step 5: The Wait

Our current waiting time is approximately 6 to 18 months. This waiting period allows you to fundraise for your service dog and prepare through our online learning platform. Many of our clients choose to fundraise to help cover the cost of their service dog, but fundraising is entirely optional and not required to get a service dog.

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• Step 6: Come to our facility and learn how to work with your service dog

Once your dog is ready, you'll be invited to our team training program. This 10-day training session at our facility will teach you how to manage your new companion.

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• Step 7: Go home with your service dog and get ongoing support

The first 6-12 months of getting your service dog are a learning curve. Your dog needs to adapt to their new environment and you are still building new habits. You will have direct and ongoing access to our team to support you through this journey. You'll stay in touch with us and participate in scheduled check-ins and training sessions. We are committed to helping you succeed with your dog.​

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We're dedicated to providing you with a working service dog, which means we carefully match you with the best candidate based on your application and interview. While we can't foresee every variable, sometimes we may need to replace the dog if things don't work out. Rest assured, the fee covers our services, not the intrinsic value of the dog, and includes any possible replacement.

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You have the option to withdraw from getting a service dog from us at any point in the process, without any pressure or obligation to continue. However, please note that after signing the contract, the initial down payment is non-refundable, even if you decide to withdraw. We understand that circumstances can change, and we are committed to supporting your decisions every step of the way, ensuring that your comfort and needs remain our top priority.