Apply for Our Program
At this time we are only accepting applications for diabetic alert dogs! The wait time for a service dog is currently 2-3 years.
A fully trained service dog is estimated to cost $60,000-$75,000. We rely heavily on charitable donations from the public to help make our dogs accessible. At this time, we ask all accepted applicants to raise and pay a fee of $25,000 dollars to help offset the cost of the selection, raising, training, and the two week in home transfer camp we provide. Fundraising options and ideas can be found on our ‘Fundraising’ page!
Centre Stage Service Dogs Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit your initial application through the form on our website!
This initial application is reviewed to determine if our program is a good match for you to continue on through the application process with. Please give us a week to review your application, you will receive notice of your application being approved or denied via email. If approved, you will then submit an in-depth phase two application and be invited for a virtual interview. If you are not the right fit for our program, we will do our best to point you in the right direction for your needs!
Step 2: In-depth Application and Virtual Interview
Once approved, you will be sent an in depth application to fill out so that we can better understand your lifestyle, needs, and the ideal type of dog to match you with. This phase of the application process also includes a virtual interview with a member of our team. The application and interview will be reviewed by our board of directors to determine if you move into phase three! Please expect to hear back on your application status within a month of your interview.
Step 3: Home Interview and Dog Handling
At this stage, our trainer will visit you in home to get a better sense of your lifestyle, family/pet dynamics, and dog handling using one of our demo dogs. We will assess home set up for a service dog, your pace, and handling style. This is the final stage of our application process. Please expect to hear back on your acceptance status within six weeks of your home interview!
Step 4: Await Matching Camp!
The next step is to attend a matching camp! This typically occurs when a dog is between 12-15 months of age. During this time we will match you to a dog, get started on client education, and begin any customized training your dog may need before placement camp.
While you excitedly await your match, we encourage you to fundraise for or secure your fee and remain in communication with us. Please remain in contact with us on any lifestyle changes, needs, or medical conditions to help us best match a dog with you.
Step 4: Awaiting Placement and Fees!
During this stage your dog is undergoing customized training for you! During this time, you will be in contact with our trainers for updates on your dog’s status. Your application fee is due prior to your dog’s placement.
Step 5: Transfer Training and Graduation!
We have a 10-14 day placement camp in your home area when it is time for the transfer of your dog. During this time you learn how to live with your dog, basic care and grooming, handling skills, public access, and any specialized task work. You will also review graduation requirements and continuing support with your life of your dog. At the end of transfer training, we will celebrate the new team and look forward to your official graduation.
Step 6: Lifetime of support and follow up!
Each team is provided with a follow up schedule to stay in touch with our program. You are required to complete a yearly public access test, which then moves to every other year, to remain certified as one of our teams. Teams are also required to fill out medical alert logs and have a lifetime of support from our trainers should they need any assistance!