Frequently Asked Questions
Learn About Service Dogs
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A Service Dog is a dog that has been individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate a documented disability. They require a high level of training in order to pass their Public Access Test as well as their specifically selected tasks.
Dogs that show any type of aggression will not be considered for training, and if aggression occurs during training, the dog will be dismissed from further training.
While dogs can provide emotional, social, and safety benefits for their handler these benefits are not tasks that qualify a dog as a Service Animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Therefore, a dog making someone feel better because of its presence does not constitute a task and does not qualify the dog as a Service Animal. Read this article to learn more about the difference between Service Dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals.
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Service Dogs can help with a variety of disabilities such as blindness, hearing impairment, seizures, blood sugar alerts, medical alerts, and more. Mutts With A Mission primarily trains Service Dogs for mobility and mental health disabilities.
These are some of the tasks we teach our Service Dogs. This is not an all-inclusive list as each dog is trained to help with their handler’s specific disability.
Examples of Mobility Tasks:
— Retrieve dropped items
— Retrieve items by name
— Open/close doors
— Balance assistance
— Help handler up
— Assist handler take off clothing
— Turn on/off lights
— Medication reminders
— Go get help
— Forward momentumExamples of Psychiatric Tasks:
— Medication reminders
— Bring the phone in an emergency
— Go get help
— Provide tactile stimulation during flashback or anxiety attack
— Turn on lights
— Wake a person up during night terrors
— Wake a person up for work
— Provide an excuse to leave a situation
— Create non-aggressive space in crowds
— Dog helps the handler know if voices are real or imaginary -
No, the training required to become a Service Dog is very rigorous, and not every dog is cut out for the job. There are many breeds that we will not consider for Service Dog work due to heat/cold tolerance issues, breathing issues, and genetic predisposition.
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Our Service Dogs begin training at 8 weeks old in order to provide them a sound foundation and a love for learning. The dogs spend 18-20 months with a Puppy Raiser while they go through the training program and graduate when they are 2 years old.
In order for Mutts With A Mission to comply with ADI standards, all Service Dogs must be spayed/neutered before they graduate from our Service Dog program.
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Because we do not charge recipients for our Service Dogs. Since we do not accept any federal funding, we are funded through donations. We are also always in need of Puppy Raisers!
You can also help us by telling people what we do! Share our social media posts, newsletters, and pictures with your friends. The more people we reach, the more heroes we can help.
Learn About Our Application Process
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Mutts With A Mission provides Service Dogs for United States Service Members who served on active duty and have a service-connected disability as well as Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders, and Federal Agents with a line-of-duty connected disability. To view the full applicant criteria, visit the appropriate application page.
We do not provide training for the dogs of spouses or their children. If you do not qualify for our program we recommend visiting the Assistance Dogs International website.
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It costs approximately $60,000 to fully train one of our Service Dogs. However, Mutts With A Mission places Service Dogs at no cost to the recipient (outside of the non-refundable application fee of $300).
Otherwise, there is no charge for the training. This is our way of showing our gratitude and saying thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Once graduated, you will incur the costs of food, treats, leashes, veterinary care, as well as the cost of traveling back to our facility for yearly recertification.
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Once you submit a complete application it can take up to 6 weeks for us to review and make a determination. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be discarded after 30 days.
If accepted as a recipient, you will be put on our waitlist. We make sure we pair you with the Service Dog that will best be suited to your disabilities, therefore the waiting period can vary based on when the dogs are scheduled to graduate, size requirements, or what tasks your Service Dog will need to be specially trained for.
You will then have to travel to our facility to complete a two-week Transfer Camp. During this time, you meet your new partner and learn how to work together. After successfully completing the camp, you will be a graduate team!
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After you graduate, you are a member of our program for the working life of your dog. Because we are an ADI accredited organization, teams are required to return to our facility for annual recertification testing.
When it’s time for your Service Dog to retire, we will work on matching you with a successor dog.
Learn About Our Owner Training Program
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Bully breeds and guardian breeds are not eligible for the program. We also do not accept any Malinois, Shepherds, Doodles, Huskies, or any mixes of these breeds.
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Yes, dogs entering the program cannot be over two years old.
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Yes, a DD 214 (Member copy 4) must be submitted during the application process in order to be eligible.
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In-person training classes are offered in Virginia Beach, VA and San Diego, CA. Participants are required to attend in-person training classes at least 51% of the time; Zoom is available for the remaining 49%, though in-person is recommended.
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Training can range from 6 to 22 months. The exact length of the training process is determined at the discretion of Mutts With A Mission trainers and may vary by individual. Training timelines are subject to change at any time based on the needs and progress of the dog and handler.
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Prior to graduation, dogs must successfully pass Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluations for hips, shoulders, elbows, patellas, and eyes (CERF/CAER). All required examinations will be completed at the owner’s expense. Dogs must also be spayed or neutered prior to graduation.
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Yes, recipients are required to attend a two-week Transfer Camp in Virginia Beach, VA, which includes graduation at the conclusion of the program. The recipient is responsible for the costs associated with transportation and meals during this period.
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Yes. If you do not currently have a dog, please do not acquire one before speaking with Mutts With A Mission staff. We ask that you wait until you have completed the application process and are actively working with MWAM staff, who can connect you with reputable breeders as appropriate.
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Recipients are required to participate in annual in-person recertifications after graduation. Ongoing communication with Mutts With A Mission is also required, including providing veterinary updates as requested. Both in-person and virtual check-ins will be conducted, with additional details provided throughout the application process.
Is a Service/Facility Dog Right for You?
When considering whether a Service or Facility Dog is right of you, it’s important to have realistic expectations. It’s not just a matter of acquiring a dog and suddenly having all your problems solved. The journey to success with a Service/Facility Dog requires time, effort, and money. It’s also important to remember that a Service/Facility Dog is a working animal and should be treated with respect and professionalism.
By honestly answering the questions below, you can make an informed decision about whether a Service/Facility Dog is the right choice for you.
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*What challenges do you experience in daily life that limit you from living a full life?
*What do you commonly need help with?
*Is it physically something that dog can do?
*Could it injure or scare the dog?
*Is it easier for a person or technology to assist?
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*Are you able to consistently provide the dog with high quality for?
*Are you able to provide exercise ( play, walks, games, enrichments, dog-dog play) for the dog?
*Do you have access to a fenced yard (not a dog park)?
*How will you exercise the dog during inclement weather or when you are not feeling well?
*When the dog is working less, will you be able to provide mental stimulation through training sessions or enrichment?
*Will you be able to provide a dog with a designated area for rest and sufficient time to rest?
*Will you be able to support the dog if it is stressed?
*Can you afford routine vet care and monthly health insurance?
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*Do you have a good support system?
*Will your family members understand and respect your need for them to distance themselves from the dog initially?
*Are your children old enough to understand that the dog is a working dog and not a pet?
*If you have any other animals, will they be comfortable with a dog in the house?
*Will the other animals interfere with the Service Dog’s job?
*Are you willing to rehome your other animals if asked?
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*Is your lifestyle appropriate for utilizing a dog?
*Is your life stable enough to add a Service Dog?
*Are you planning on moving or switching careers?
*A Service Dog will draw attention to you when out in public. Are you comfortable with extra attention or will this cause more anxiety?
*Are you able to maintain the dog’s training and commit to being consistent with training?
*Do your bad days outnumber your good days? If so, how will you care for a dog during a bad day?
*How often do you go out in public? To maintain the dog’s training, public outings are crucial.
*Is your work/school environment a safe place for the dog?
*Can you physically handle a dog at work/school?
*How often would you need to leave the dog alone?
Not only are you committing to a relationship with the dog, but you are also committing to a relationship with Mutts With A Mission for the working life of the dog. Once you receive a Mutts With A Mission dog, you are required to stay engaged with MWAM, provide veterinary updates as requested, and meet with MWAM staff in person at least once every year (including recertifications) or more if required.
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