How we
WORK
Our service dogs are professionally trained in basic command, AKC Canine Good Citizen Tasks and specialized training based on the needs of the veteran or first responder receiving the dog. Dogs that Help service dogs are trained two different ways:
Partnering with Tomorrow's Trainers
We’re proud to partner with future dog trainers from The Tom Rose School and Kennelwood Academy, who volunteer their time and talent to help our dogs-in-training as part of their course curriculum. It’s a win-win — the students gain hands-on experience, and the dogs get top-notch foundational training! Once the student graduates, the dog is matched with a veteran or first responder and continues learning advanced, personalized tasks with one of our professional trainers. It’s teamwork at its best — all for a great cause!
Group Classes with Professional Support
Through our fun and supportive weekly group classes, veterans and first responders get the chance to train their own service dog — all with the expert guidance of our professional trainer. It's an empowering journey that builds a strong bond between handler and dog. To graduate, each service dog must pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, perform specific tasks on command, and earn final approval from our trainer. It’s hard work, but the results are life-changing!
The Difference Between A...
SERVICE DOG
Service animals are specially trained to assist people with disabilities, including conditions like visual impairments, PTSD, seizure disorders, diabetes, and more. Under the law, only dogs and in certain cases, miniature horses, can be recognized as service animals.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) offer comfort and companionship that can be deeply therapeutic for their owners. However, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ESAs are not classified as service animals and do not have the same public access rights to places like restaurants, stores, or other public spaces.
THERAPY DOG
Therapy animals are trained to offer comfort, affection, and emotional support to people in a variety of settings — including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, hospice care, and disaster response areas. Their presence brings warmth, calm, and connection wherever it’s needed most.
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I am not a disabled veteran or first responder, but I have a disability, can I get a service dog?Unfortunately, we only provide service dogs to veterans and first responders. However, there are many resources available nationwide to assist with service dog training, funding and more. You can also look into working with local dog trainers for basic command training.
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How can I get involved with Dogs that Help?We always appreciate the support of our community! We have several opportunities to volunteer through our fundraising events, becoming a part-time foster for some of our overflow dogs, host a fundraising event to benefit Dogs that Help and much more! We also accept monetary donations and items off of our Amazon Wishlist.
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I donated to Dogs that Help, where will my money go?At Dogs that Help, every penny donated goes directly to the service dogs. The individuals working with our organization are volunteers and do not receive a paycheck. We use the money to purchase basic necessities such as kennels, dog food, training aids, training vests & patches and also cover the cost of veterinary bills.
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How can I get a service dog?We provide service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders. To begin the process, visit the "Apply for a Service Dog" tab under the "Service Dog" section to begin. Complete the application and include the required documentation and mail to: DOGS THAT HELP PO BOX 64 WATERLOO, IL 62298 Once your application is received, our application committee will review it and reach out to notify you of your acceptance or if more information is needed. Once accepted, you will then move onto the next step in the process.
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Can I provide my own dog to be trained as my service dog?Yes! It is possible to provide your own dog, as long as they are a year old or younger and pass various evaluations conducted by one of our trainers.
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I am a veteran but have less than a 50% VA disability rating but could really benefit from a service dog, can you help?In some cases, an exception can be made for disabled veterans with less than a 50% VA disability rating. Reach out to us via our contact form and we would love to see what we can do for you!