Applicant Eligibility Policy



Service Dog Applicant Eligibility Policy

Canine Partners for Life conducts its acceptance process in a manner that will not discriminate against any applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, the presence of physical or mental disability, sexual preference, life-expectancy or whether the individual is a disabled veteran or veteran of any era.

Although Canine Partners for Life has found that there is no “recipe” to predict a successful applicant and placement, we have found that the following general characteristics and abilities are essential to the production of a successful graduate team and thus will be considered in the acceptance or denial of an applicant.

To receive a full service dog an individual should have the following abilities and characteristics:

• Physical ability to control, manage, and care for a large dog weighing 50 – 100 pounds and the ability to create an effective support system

• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with the canine

• Financial ability to provide for his/her canine partner’s daily care, routine, and emergency veterinary needs

• A lifestyle which would be significantly enhanced by the increased independence that a canine would provide

• A positive outlook and the willingness to solve problems

• The willingness to seek assistance and advice from the graduate network

• A willingness to learn about the responsibilities and benefits of a service dog

• The willingness to be continuously accompanied by a canine partner throughout daily activities

• A realistic understanding of the canine’s emotional and physical needs

• The capacity to relate to a canine partner, both physically and emotionally

• A realistic view of his/her disability and appraisal of his/her abilities

• The ability to set realistic goals, and the problem solving ability and dedication to achieve or modify those goals

• The motivation to achieve as much independence as is realistically possible

• An appropriate peer/family support system to provide assistance during daily and emergency situations

• An adequate space or a provision for the canine’s exercise

• A safe and accessible location for the canine’s daily walks, elimination, and play time

• A clean, organized, and safe home environment

• The ability to communicate in and comprehend the English language on a 6th grade level

• The maturity necessary to assume the responsibility of a service dog partner Child placements will be considered for children over the age of 12 and working at a 6th grade level

• The ability to learn new information in a group setting, usually consisting of 12 – 16 students

No applicant will be considered for placement unless all requirements of the application process have been completed.

All applicants must be willing to complete a

1) Release of liability form

2) An Applicant Medical Information Form

3) An Emergency Care Form

4) A Photo/Video Release Form

5) Recipient Funding Form

All applicants must be willing to complete, and submit by designated due dates, an Applicant Update Form every six months to maintain their status as a current applicant.

All applicants must be willing to attend Graduate Support Classes as required, or to participate in additional training/exposure opportunities as requested by CPL to help the organization further evaluate the applicant’s abilities and suitability.

All applicants must agree to attend the three week “team training” session to receive their service dog.

All applicants must agree to comply with the follow up policies and procedures of the organization.

Applicants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodations, and attendant care during Team Training, Graduate Support Classes or other CPL activities.

The applicant must demonstrate a sincere desire to have a canine partner in their lives. Dogs will not be placed with individuals who express that they do not wish to be partnered with a dog, even if family members or caregivers believe such a partnership would be beneficial.

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