Criteria for Applicants

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. Family members and/or aides are expected to assist where necessary.
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 mature enough and possess sufficient cognitive functioning to actively participate in the training and learning process required during the final training phase of the service dog. He must also be capable of managing the dog once they are living together.
The candidate/family must be actively pursuing the goal of independent living and seek to improve the quality of his life through the aid of a Service Dog.
The candidate/family’s medical situation should enable the candidate to work with the dog for several years.
The candidate/family must be financially able to maintain his functional lifestyle during the transfer camp (approximately two weeks). SDV cannot assist with attendant care, transportation, etc., during the transfer camp.
Candidates must be at least 10 years of age and have adequate support from parents and aides. Autism Service Dog candidates should be between 2 and 10.
Applicants will be considered without regard to race, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or age.