Application Requirements & Process
Learn about eligibility requirements and the application process for all programs.
Service & Stress Mitigation Program
Our programs are open to anyone with a mental health disability
- Canines are 2 years old or under. Breed restrictions apply based on our liability insurance. Breeds not accepted: Pit Bulls, mixes, or any bully breed, Belgian Malinois, Cattle dogs, and Huskies. Some breeds we do not recommend for service work are most small breeds, Frenchie's, Yorkies, and Terriers to name a few.
- 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.
- 4 Paws 2 Freedom does not accept co-handlers for service work
- 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 physically train their service dog.
- Applicant must be actively pursuing the goal of independent living and seeking to improve the quality of his/her life through partnership with a service 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.
- All applicants must be disabled by the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, TBI, MST, Depression, or Anxiety
Veteran* or a First Responder** receive the training at no cost. Supporting documentation will be required. Veterans-DD214. First Responders- Current Agency ID or retirement or separation paperwork.
*****Public Notice Regarding Program Eligibility and Participant Safety*****
4 Paws 2 Freedom is committed to providing high-quality service dog training and placement services to veterans, first responders, and their families in a safe, supportive, and secure environment. The safety of our participants, volunteers, staff, service dogs, and community partners is our highest priority.
An applicant will be denied acceptance if they have been convicted of, pled guilty to, or are currently under investigation for offenses. 4 Paws 2 Freedom reserves the right to deny, suspend, or terminate participation when an individual's conduct, criminal history, substance use, or other circumstances present a direct threat to the health, safety, welfare, or well-being of participants, volunteers, staff, service dogs, or the public.
*Veteran- served in the United States military
**First Responder is defined as a person who has a trauma resulting from a Public Service Action
Therapy Dog Program
Our program is dedicated to supporting the mental wellness of individuals and strengthening communities through connection with professionally trained therapy dog teams. Our program prepares compassionate volunteers and their dogs to provide comfort, encouragement, and meaningful engagement in a variety of settings throughout the community.
Our therapy dog teams undergo comprehensive training focused on obedience, public access manners, handler communication, stress recognition, and safe interactions with people of all ages and abilities. Our training program includes volunteers with a background in law enforcement, fire and health care.
Every team is evaluated to ensure they demonstrate the temperament, reliability, and professionalism necessary to represent 4 Paws 2 Freedom with excellence.
We serve a wide range of environments, including:
- Schools and literacy programs
- Community outreach events
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Veterans' organizations
- Law enforcement, Fire departments and Dispatch Centers
- Government and other public agencies
- Victim advocacy centers
- Assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
- Crisis response and critical incident support, when requested
Applicant & Canine Requirements:
- Must be 18 years old
- Dog must be at least 1 year old
- Dog must have lived with you for at least 6 months
- After completion of training, volunteer a minimum of 1 time per month for at least 1 year.
- Pass a background check
- Successful temperament evaluation of your dog
- Pay $100 initial registration fee (once certified a $50 yearly membership fee and annual certificate of health is required to maintain certification)
Certification Requirements:
- Complete the SAMHSA Service to Self-Training Course (Free self-paced online course)
- Complete the Psychological First Aid (Online 5HR online course)
- Complete the Skills for Psychological Recovery Course (Online 5HR online course)
- Team is required to pass all 3 AKC Canine Good Citizen tests prior to the start of visits
After we receive your application, we will contact you and send instructions via email. We will be asking you to complete additional 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, 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.
Canine Health Requirements for Mobility work
Mobility-trained tasks will not be introduced until the canine has a clear PennHIP and OFA's.
A PennHIP screening is a qualitative measurement of hip joint laxity— so you can be certain in the data it provides.
Additionally:
- It is a well-researched, objective method that follows strict scientific protocols and is published in peer-reviewed veterinary literature.
- Veterinarians who wish to submit PennHIP x-rays are required to be trained in the technique and certified, helping ensure accurate data.
- It can be used to test if a dog is a candidate for surgery to prevent DJD.
- It can help assess the usefulness of performing a preventive procedure called Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS), based on the risk of developing hip dysplasia.
While the PennHIP examination is fairly quick, it begins by anesthetizing your canine to allow for complete relaxation and better radiographic positioning. During the screening itself, three x-ray views of the hips are taken: distraction view (for hip joint laxity), compression view (for joint hip congruity), and extension view (for osteoarthritis readings). As an outpatient diagnostic procedure, your canine will get to go home the same day.
Only veterinarians certified in the PennHIP technique may perform the examination. In the Sacramento area there are two, Orangevale Veterinarian and Willow Creek Veterinarian. No referral is necessary for PennHIP. The PennHIP data is then compared to thousands of other studies to assess the degree of that individual’s joint laxity to others of the same age and breed.
Overall, with the information obtained from a PennHIP screening allows us to determine if training your canine for mobility work will cause them injury.
Along with PennHIP testing, we require your canine to also have their elbows evaluated which normally will not be done until 2 years of age.
You can find additional information about the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals here:
The Canine Health Information Center | OFA.
Interview
During the applicant interview you will get to meet our trainers and ask questions. 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.
After the interview, your file will go to our Admissions coordinator for review. An email 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.
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.
