With your interest in applying for a service or guide dog from America's VetDogs, we encourage you to read and understand the full application process before submitting your application. Please find a breakdown of this process below.

America's VetDogs Application Process
If your Application is Accepted
Training with your Dog
Going Home with your Dog

America's VetDogs Application Process

  1. Fill out Part 1 of our application online at www.VetDogs.org.

  2. If you are a veteran submit a copy of your DD214 to Jacqueline@vetdogs.org or fax to 631-930-9075.

  3. Our Selection Committee will review your Application Part 1 and DD-214 and contact you within 5 business days.

  4. If it is determined that you may be eligible for our program, you will be sent Part 2 of our application.  Part 2 includes some additional forms, including medical reports for your doctors to complete, a form for your significant other or caregiver to complete and instructions on how to create and submit the required application video.

  5. Once Part 2 of your application is submitted, we will contact you to schedule an interview with an America’s VetDogs staff member.  Due to our high volume of applicants it may take up to 4-6 weeks for us to complete your interview. America’s VetDogs will determine the method in which the interview will be conducted; it may be over video chat, in-person or over the phone. 

  6. After your interview with an America’s VetDogs staff member, it is required that some applicants participate in an additional interview with one of our mental health professionals. This could take up to an additional 4-6 weeks to complete.

  7. Once your interview(s) are completed, your full application will be reviewed by our Selection Committee.  You will receive notification of their decision within 4-6 weeks.

If your Application is Accepted

  1. You will receive an acceptance letter, detailing the tasks your dog will be trained to perform. You will also receive a log-in so you may start completing our pre-training paperwork.

  2. Once accepted to the program, wait times can vary and can exceed 3 years depending on the availability of dogs that are a good match for your individual needs.  Sometimes the wait can be shorter, but it could also be longer.  If you choose to apply to other service dog programs while you wait for a match, this will not affect your position on the America’s VetDogs waiting list.  

  3. During your wait time, an America’s VetDogs staff member will be in touch with you on a quarterly basis.  We require you to maintain contact with us, and update us on any lifestyle changes (new address/phone #, changes in health, etc.).

  4. After 2 years on our waiting list, we will require you to provide us with updated medical and mental health (if required) reports.  Having your most up to date health information on file ensures that your dog is best trained to assist with your current needs.

Training with your Dog

  1. Once a dog has been matched and trained for you, we will give you a call and invite you to an upcoming training class on our Smithtown, NY campus.  We typically try to give everyone about a months’ notice before training. It is important that you return this call in a timely manner.

  2. America’s VetDogs will book and pay for your travel to and from our campus.  At this time we will send you our training lectures to help you prepare for your class.

  3. Training classes are two weeks long, starting on a Monday and continuing through to the end of the following week, returning home on a Sunday.  Training is quite rigorous, especially the first 3 days, and there is a lot of information to cover. 
  • You will receive your dog on the first Wednesday of class. 
  • The dog stays with you in your room and you are solely responsible for the care of your dog during the training class. 
  • Meals are typically scheduled for 7:30am, noon and 5:30pm. 
  • In-between meals and during most evenings, you will be working with our training staff and your dog. 
  • Training takes place in a class-room setting, at different stations around our campus, and off campus at our local mall, hardware store, etc. 
  • There is little down time, and it is mandatory that you take your dog out at 8:30pm and obey our strict 10pm curfew.

Going Home with your Dog


Once your training is completed, we are committed to supporting your success. We are available for phone, email, and in-person support throughout your entire partnership with your assistance dog.  

In order for you to maintain your status as a working VetDogs team with full public access rights, you must meet our minimum communication and re-certification requirements as listed below:

  • One of our Field Services Representatives (FSR) will contact you 2 weeks after you return home to check-up on how things are going.
  • PTSD Service Dogs are required to have an in-person visit 3 months after placements.  One of our FSRs will contact you to set up a visit to your home. 
  • All VetDogs are required to be re-certified.  These re-certifications will be completed in-person 1 year after you receive your dog, and then every other year until your dog reaches the age of 8.

    • America’s VetDogs is available should you need any help, for the lifetime of your dog.  Simply contact our Consumer Services Department at 1-631-930-9000.  VetDogs handlers commonly request our assistance with the following:

  • Training questions
  • Your dog’s health or behavior
  • Ordering new equipment/vests
  • Public access issues
  • Dog of Record (a VA benefit that pays for all veterinary costs)
  • Purchasing Heartworm or Flea and Tick preventative at a discounted rate
  • Retirement/bereavement counseling