Service Dog Program

A VetDogs service dog is specially trained to provide support and complete tasks that help veterans and first responders who have physical disabilities. A service dog can be trained to provide the following support:

  • Provide balance
  • Retrieves items 
  • Open and close doors 
  • Turn on and off lights

Eligibility

If you are a Veteran who is interested in applying for a service dog, please review the following information to determine if you meet our eligibility requirements.

  • You have served in any of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces from any era, and have received an honorable or a general (under honorable conditions) discharge.
  • You are physical disabled. 
  • You can attend a two-week training class at our facility in Smithtown, NY and will be committed to our training program and schedule.
  • You are dedicated to maintaining the dog’s training throughout the life of the team and can provide for the well-being of the dog. (Approximately $100 per month)
  • You are able to meet the physical and emotional needs of a dog, and have an appropriate support system in place to do so if/when you are unable to yourself.

All services are provided at no cost to clients — this includes your dog, transportation to and from our campus in Smithtown, NY, instruction, and more. 

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Matching Process 

One of the hallmarks of America's VetDogs is its meticulous matching program to ensure that each student is matched with the dog that best suits that person’s mobility, personality, lifestyle, and physical needs.   

We are also able offer cross-trained guide dogs to perform service dog tasks.  These service dog tasks can be added to a training program for qualified students on a case-by-case basis whose mobility has been further compromised and tasks can include providing balance, retrieval and hearing assistance.  

Training a Team

The majority of students come to our 10-acre campus in Smithtown, New York, for our two-week in-residence training program.  Clients stay in single rooms with private baths and an in-house chef prepares three meals a day while meeting dietary requirements. Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention for each student and their new dog. 

We offer a variety of training options to best meet an individual’s needs: on-campus training, combination training, or home training.  Our trainers will help determine where our students will be best served while trying to accommodate their preferences. 

Aftercare 

Our students and their dogs are guaranteed a lifetime of aftercare.  After the team returns home, our staff follows up with each graduate team to inquire how they're working together.  If follow up training is requested, one of our field service representatives will work with them to provide personalized attention in their home environment as they adjust to their daily routine.