Service Dog Training
Take the First Step Toward a Powerful Bond That Will Bring Strength, Comfort, and Renewed Purpose.Our 6-month service dog training program is designed to provide a loyal K9 companion to support you through life’s challenges.
Never Walk Alone. Begin Your Journey Today.
K9 Partners for Patriots is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the VA does not fund our program. Acceptance into our program is based on a clinical diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or MST — not on VA disability ratings.
What Will I Need to Qualify?
You will need:
- A copy of your DD214 stating HONORABLE under Character of Service.
- A letter from a physician, counselor, LCSW, or VA stating a diagnosis of service-related PTSD, TBI, or MST. It must also state that you are medically, mentally, and physically able to handle the responsibilities of owning and training a dog.
- Must be free of felony convictions, any history of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or any form of animal mistreatment, abuse, neglect, or cruelty.
How Does the Process Work?
The application process is fast, comprehensive, and respectful.
- Our Veteran Liaison will contact you via the email you provide in your application within 3 business days after receiving and reviewing your application. This email will include instructions on how to submit your documentation.
- Once we receive your required documentation, we will schedule your in-person interview.
Can I Use My Own Dog?
K9 Partners for Patriots allows qualified veterans to enter the program with their own dog, provided the dog meets specific criteria. To be considered:
- The dog must pass our temperament evaluation to ensure suitability for service work.
- The dog must be spayed or neutered before graduation. We strongly recommend completing this procedure before entering the program, as it requires recovery time that could interrupt your training.
- The dog must be at least 9 months old at the time of acceptance.
- The maximum age is determined at our discretion, based on the dog’s breed and expected lifespan. Some breeds remain viable candidates for service work longer than others. We evaluate each case individually to ensure the dog’s long-term ability to perform service tasks safely and effectively.
If you have questions, please contact us before applying.
Should I Get A Dog Before I Apply?
We strongly recommend allowing our K9 Acquisition Team to find the ideal dog for you. Our team has extensive expertise in selecting dogs with the appropriate temperament and qualities to meet your unique needs.
The dogs we provide have undergone thorough vetting and meet all program requirements. Each dog is spayed or neutered, has received a comprehensive medical evaluation, is heartworm-free, and is up to date on all vaccinations.
If you choose to independently select a dog that does not pass our temperament evaluation, it will not be eligible to participate in the program. To ensure a smooth training process and the best possible match, we encourage you to trust our team’s specialized knowledge in identifying a suitable dog for your service needs.
For more information or to discuss your options, please call our office at (352) 397-5306 or reach out through our contact form. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Qualifying Criteria
Active Duty or Veteran of the United States Armed Forces
Veterans or service members of foreign armed forces do not qualify.
Honorable Discharge
Provide a DD214 long form stating character of service. General under honorable conditions do not qualify.
Diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or MST
Applicant must provide our medical release form to be completed by your physician, counselor, or VA stating a diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or MST.
Download and give our medical release form to your physician, counselor, or VA to complete.
Individuals with felony convictions, or a history of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or any form of animal mistreatment, abuse, neglect, or cruelty are not eligible to participate in this program.
Service Dog Training Application
Are you ready to embark on a journey of healing, reconnection, and empowerment?
Complete the application below and let us walk this path with you into a brighter future with a steadfast companion by your side—apply now and begin your transformative journey!
To Complete Enrollment, You Must Have a Valid Email Address
The email you provide in your application will be used for this and all future correspondence once you’re accepted into our program.
Application Spans Multiple Pages
Navigate through all the pages until you reach the “Submit” button. Once your application is successfully submitted, you will see a “Success” confirmation. Refer to the progress bar located at the top of each page to track your progress throughout the form.
Name Change
If the name on your driver’s license doesn’t match the name on your DD214 you will be required to provide legal documentation for the name change. i.e. marriage, divorce, or name change affidavit.