Autism Program

quince SDV dogs are trained in all of the essential house manners, as well as how to behave in public. Autism Dogs are specifically trained to anchor themselves in a “stay” and not move until cued by the parent handler. A child that is tethered to the dog is thus prevented from running away, or into a dangerous situation. Dogs are taught to walk with a child by their side at the same time the adult is holding the leash and following behind, Dogs are trained to find a child who has wandered within a limited search area. In addition, tasks taught to a traditional service dog can be taught to Autism Service dogs as well if a family needs or desires such training.

All of our dogs are neutered, vaccinated, x-rayed, micro-chipped, and heartworm-free.

Individuals who are interested in acquiring a service dog are required to submit an application along with a $25, non-refundable fee. After the initial application is reviewed, a home visit will be scheduled. At that time, additional criteria will be discussed and potential recipients will be required to meet our recommendations to insure the dog will be safe, adequately cared for and help in the success of the team.

Criteria for Applicants

Children candidates must be between the ages of 2 - 12 years to apply.
The candidate family must be able to meet the emotional, physical, and financial needs of the service dog, and offer a stable home environment. This includes exercise and grooming of the dog, as well as providing vet care, food, flea and tick preventative, heartworm medication, and necessary supplies and equipment.
The candidate family must provide a safe, fenced enclosure adjacent to his or her home to exercise the dog off lead. Preference is for a home environment in which the service dog is the only dog living in the home, but exceptions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The candidate family must be actively pursuing the goal of increased independent living and improved quality of life through the aid of an Autism Service Dog.
SDV will give preference to clients living in the state of Virginia, followed by those outside of Virginia.
Candidate families will be considered without regard to race, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or age.

After an individual is fully qualified for a dog, and a “match” is made, SDV expects that a parent of the client will attend a two week transfer camp that will allow us to: teach him/her all of the cues that the dogs have learned; to work together as a team; to become comfortable working in public; to demonstrate how to teach the dog new behaviors; how to care for the dog; and to educate the client about the responsibilities associated with dog ownership and taking a dog out in public. Children do not attend the transfer camp.

At the end of transfer camp, teams will be tested using the Assistance Dog International (ADI) test. ADI is an organization made up of member service dog programs and sets standards for the field. Their test focuses on the interaction and harmony between the person and their dog, the ability of the dog to work safely with his new handler, and the ability of the dog to behave appropriately in public. This test is a minimum requirement and individuals who cannot pass will not receive a dog. We expect our clients to pass this test and also demonstrate additional tasks their dog will perform to assist their independence.

If the child uses an aide at school, the aide is also encouraged to attend a portion of the camp and be willing to meet with SDV staff to learn the appropriate role of an aide helping a client with a service dog.

After completion of the transfer camp and placement, teams are phoned on their first night home. You will then have an adjustment phase with your new dog, and SDV will provide training for the new in your home, and every-day environments. At this time, the child and the dog are joined together, and the parent is trained further on handling the dog-child partnership.

Full ownership of the dog will be granted at one year. A one-year wait helps us know that the dogs are being cared for, treated properly, and are being used for their intended purpose. Nevertheless, if for any reason the handler is unable to care for the dog, the dog must be returned to SDV. Under no circumstances may the dog be given away to an unapproved home. The best interest of the dog must be served. Also at the one-year mark, the team will be re-tested using the ADI test.