If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you will receive an Assistance Dog application by email or mail. The application includes written questions about yourself, a medical reference form, a Veterinary Reference form, and a personal reference form. Once you return the completed application, a staff member from the Assistance Dogs program will contact you for a phone interview.

Based on your application and interview, we will schedule an in-person meeting with our client services staff, followed by a home visit. The home visit will be recorded and reviewed by our team for approval. If approved, you will be added to our waiting list for an assistance dog.

The Ability Center’s Assistance Dogs program is a nonprofit that relies on donations, grants, and fundraisers to cover the cost of training and placing assistance dogs. The total cost to the program for each dog placed is between $50,000 and $70,000. Thanks to generous donors and grant funding, the tuition fee for consumers is $2,500.

On average, the wait time is 12 to 24 months. However, placement depends on finding the best match between a dog’s strengths and a client’s needs, so wait times may vary. Some placements may happen sooner, while others may take longer to ensure the right fit.

The Ability Center’s Assistance Dogs program carefully matches each dog with a client based on a thorough evaluation process. We use information from applications, personal interviews, and home visits to understand each client’s lifestyle, needs, and goals. Our team then assesses the temperament, skills, and strengths of our dogs to ensure the best possible match. This individualized approach helps create successful partnerships that enhance independence and quality of life.

When a dog that may potentially fit your needs becomes available, you will be notified and invited in for a match assessment. After a successful match assessment, you will be scheduled for team training. Team training is a two-week class for service dog clients and a five-day class for skilled companion clients. This training consists of lectures, hands-on practice, information sessions, and community outings with your new canine partner. It is a crucial time for beginning the bonding process that will last a lifetime.

After three days of training, dogs will begin spending all their time with their respective partners—returning to their hotels with them in the evening, having breakfast with them in the morning, and fully integrating into their daily routine. During this period, clients assume responsibility for their dog’s care, including exercise, feeding, and grooming.

If you live out of town, you must arrange your own accommodation near our campus in Sylvania, Ohio. A list of recommended facilities will be provided. You are also responsible for your own transportation to and from our facility and for the public outing portion of team training.

No. Each client’s progress and ability to work effectively as a team with their assistance dog are monitored daily by Assistance Dogs staff throughout training. Successfully taking a dog home depends on meeting all training requirements and demonstrating the ability to handle the dog appropriately. The final decision is made by Assistance Dogs staff, ensuring that both the client and dog are ready for the next step in the process.

No, the training is not complete when you take your dog home. After team training, your service dog is still considered to be in training. You will complete a 30-day home visit, where you will practice the skills learned in team training while your dog adjusts to your daily routine. After successfully completing the home visit, you will continue working with your dog under the guidance of our training team.

Approximately 90 days after the home visit, you will return for additional in-facility training, which concludes with a public access test. Once you pass, you and your dog will receive an official working service dog patch, signifying that you are a fully certified team. Training is an ongoing process, and you will continue to reinforce skills throughout your partnership. Annual recertification is required to ensure continued success as a working team.

*Recertification is required annually for all working service dogs, only service dogs are eligible for public access.