Application Process

Please print and complete the application form in full. At this time, we accept applications only by mail. Once you’ve filled out the form and gathered all required documents, send everything to:

Dogs That Help
PO Box 22
Troy, IL 62294

After we receive your application, a member of our team will reach out to learn more about you and your specific needs. We look forward to connecting with you!

Apply for a Service Dog

Download Application Now

To qualify for a service dog through Dogs that Help, basic criteria is required:

VETERAN: Be a veteran with an honorable discharge & provide a copy of your DD214
VETERAN: Possess a VA Disability rating of 50% or higher
FIRST RESPONDER: You must provide a letter from your Primary Care Provider or Mental Health Therapist verifying your diagnosis and recommendation of a service dog
You must be actively under the care of a medical professional or mental health therapist for your disability in which you are seeking a service dog for
Willing to submit to a background check
Stable living environment of at least 6 months
Willing to consent to a home visit prior to the placement of a service dog
Financial ability to provide proper care for the service dog and agree to provide veterinary records to Dogs that Help, if necessary
No felony conviction, pending criminal charges, current parole/probation, pattern of criminality or animal abuse
No alcohol or substance abuse
Commit to attending ALL weekly training sessions and continue at home training

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

"My Service Dog Gave Me My Life Back"

I am extremely grateful for Dogs that Help for helping me get Morrigan as my service dog. She has helped me more than I could have ever imagined.

Thank you so much in training my service dog Morrigan and I. Now when we go places, I do not feel anxious and on guard with Morrigan with me. We went through numerous months of training and education. Thank you, Dogs that Help for, giving my life back.

James W., Veteran recipient

Frequently asked questions

At Dogs That Help, we’re honored to serve those who have served our communities. To begin the process of receiving a service dog, you must be a veteran or first responder.

Getting started is simple:

1. Download our application form from our website. (Click on the 'Apply for a Service Dog' under the Service Dog section)

2. Fill it out completely and attach the necessary documents — this helps us learn about your needs, lifestyle, and what type of service dog would be the best fit.

3. Mail your completed application to our PO Box (listed on the form).

Once we receive your application, our team will review it carefully and contact you to discuss the next steps. From there, we’ll guide you through interviews, matching, and training to ensure the right partnership between you and your future service dog.

Dogs That Help focuses exclusively on providing service dogs to veterans and first responders. Our mission is to give back to those who have served our country and communities by helping them regain independence and confidence through the support of a trained service dog. While we’re unable to accept applications outside that group, we’re happy to recommend other trusted organizations that serve the general public.

Application Process

Apply for a Service Dog

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Frequently asked questions

How can I get a service dog?

I am not a disabled veteran or first responder, but I have a disability, can I get a service dog?

I am a veteran but have less than a 50% VA disability rating but could really benefit from a service dog, can you help?

Can I provide my own dog to be trained as my service dog?

How can I get involved with Dogs that Help?

I donated to Dogs that Help, where will my money go?