According the American Disability Association, a service dog is any dog trained to provide assistance to an individual possessing a disability. Service dogs can be utilized to acknowledge sounds by alerting people with hearing impairments, assist in balancing those who are disabled, pull wheelchairs or retrieve and carry things for those who are physically impaired. Applying for a service dog requires that the individual have a medical need for the animal, and is able to provide documentation to prove it. In addition, there are other requirements that need to be met in order to acquire a service dog.
Instructions
1. Locate a service dog training program that accepts applications for placement of their dogs.
2. Complete the application form to acquire the dog from the organization in which you are interested in working with.
3. Participate in a telephone interview with the organization to answer any questions they may have regarding your application, needs and preferences.
4. Submit any other required paperwork, if you have not previously, such as medical history information and personal and professional reference forms.
5. Participate in an in-person interview, if required, and learn more about the organization's operation.
6. Place your name on a waiting list for a service dog. Waiting time could be a few months to 5 years or more, depending on the number of individuals being serviced by the organization.
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