Our Application Process

Learn about eligibility requirements and the application process.

Service Dog Program Eligibility Criteria

  • Canines are 2 years old or under
  • Canines undergo a temperament evaluation before entering the program. This does NOT guarantee the canine will become a successful service dog. It does allow us to get an insight on their desire to work and personality.
  • Applicant meets with staff for an in-person interview
  • Applications for the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Program will be accepted regardless of race, sex, or religious preference.
  • Applicant must live within 100 miles of program headquarters.
  • Applicant must be able to meet the physical and financial needs of an assistance dog.
  • Applicant must be actively pursuing the goal of independent living and seeking to improve the quality of his/her life through partnership with an assistance dog.
  • Applicant must agree to follow through with all aspects of the current application process, to complete team training, and to abide by all program policies, procedures, and follow-up guidelines.
  • Applicant must be disabled by the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, TBI, MST, Depression, or Anxiety
  • Must be a Veteran* or a First Responder** to receive the training at no charge.
  • Applicant must be physically and emotionally able to train their own service dog.


*Veteran- served in the United States military

**First Responder is defined as a person who has a trauma resulting from a Public Service Action

Costs Associated with 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Course

Students are responsible for the costs:

  • To obtain their canine
  • Veterinary care for their canine, including vaccinations, flea and tick preventative, and heartworm preventative
  • Feeding and maintenance of their canine
  • Training Supplies
  • Boarding if needed
  • Spay or neuter of canine
  • Microchip and identification tags for their canine
  • Boots, seatbelt for traveling with their canine
  • Dog Treats and poop bags
  • Yearly veterinary health check for canine
  • Travel to weekly classes
a man is holding a puppy in his arms

The program for veterans or First Responders is at no cost due to the generosity of our donors and grants. All other costs for the care, medical, and maintenance of the canine are the sole responsibility of the student.


If you have PTSD, MTS, TBI, or another invisible disability and are not a Veteran or First Responder who is interested in participating in the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Program, we do not have funding at this time to offer the class at no cost.  We offer the course at the cost of : $5,000.  $2,500 is due upon start of the program, plus 10 monthly installments of $250. 

Submit Application

a man with a dog on his lap is using a computer

After we receive your application, we will contact you and send instructions through email. We will be asking you to complete a few more forms and send them to our admissions department for review.  Those include a release of information form for you to sign and send to your Primary Care Physician and Mental Health Provider and a veterinarian form. Once those forms are completed and returned, we will contact you to schedule your interview and canine evaluation.


4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Training program requires you to commit time each day to training and logging your progress with your canine.  There is a significant time investment throughout the Service Dog Program.




Obtaining a Canine if You Don't Have One

If you already have a canine you would like to train, please click on the link below to determine if your dog has what it takes to be a service dog. 


If you do not have a canine or you feel like the canine you have will not meet the requirements, then it is time to look for a partner that can. It is important to let the rescue/shelter/breeder know that you are looking for a service dog (NOT A PET). If the canine you choose ends up not being who you need, you will need to return them.  If they have questions about this they are welcome to contact us.


We are available to assist you with this process. Please contact us at 916-966-6758 or email us at contact@4paws2freedom.org (or complete the "Contact Us" form at the bottom of this page), and one of our trainers will contact you. 

Finding the best canine to become your service dog is very important. Note that for many people, choosing an adult canine from a rescue/shelter organization may require bringing home several canines before they find the right fit. It is important that you are prepared to return the canine if they are not a good fit. Canines in shelter or rescue environments can behave very differently when you meet them than they do once they are comfortable in your home. You will likely see a change in the canine after about 48 - 72 hours of being in your home.


Sometimes the behaviors are better after they are comfortable, other times they are not.  At this time, review the list of behaviors from FINDING THE RIGHT DOG to determine what it takes.  If you are not sure, or if you have questions, please contact us. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP if the first canine bring home does not work out.


Remember... This is not a Pet! The canine must be able to work and do a job that requires them to be in new situations and surroundings, and not all canines have this type of personality.


Click below to read more about finding the right dog.

Requirements

Health Requirements

All Service Dogs must be in Excellent health in order to become Certified through 4 Paws 2 Freedom. 


Canines that have disabilities will not be able to participate in our Service Dog Program. Working canines need their bodies to be in top condition to perform their best and to help you.


Veterinary Recommendation

To be accepted into the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Program, your veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Recommendation and agree that your canine is healthy enough to be a working canine. 


The Veterinary Recommendation is a physical exam. It does not require X-rays or blood work other than the heart worm test unless the veterinarian feels there is a problem. 




a black dog sitting in front of a sign that says downtown roseville

Interview

During the applicant interview, we will inquire about the tasks you need service dog to assist with.  At that time, we will do our evaluation of your canine.


We must have all your paperwork submitted before you will receive acceptance into the program. 


Acceptance or Denial to Program


After the interview, your file will go to our Admissions coordinator for review. A letter of acceptance or denial will be sent to you.  If accepted,

our Admissions Coordinator will determine which class will be the best fit for you and your canine and will contact you with the class information you are enrolled in.

       Your success is our goal

                                 We do not want you to ever feel like you are in this alone. Our staff is here to assist you. If you have questions, please contact us.