Program Options 

AVSDA offers two options to help you train your own service dog: 

1. Apply to (provided you meet all criteria) adopt an AVSDA service dog candidate. 

2. Apply to train your own dog (provided your dog meets all criteria) to become your service dog.

AVSDA offers two different training tracks to help you train your own service dog:

1. Students who do not yet have a dog attend introductory group theory and skills classes, and later attend group and private training with their AVSDA provided dogs to continue their training.

2. Students who already have an approved service dog candidate complete a comprehensive dog assessment to determine suitability before beginning group and private training with their dogs.

AVSDA funds admitted students:

1. Tuition

2. A suitable service dog candidate puppy, chosen by the AVSDA Training Director. Puppies are raised at the AVSDA facility and reside with the program director until determined ready to move to the Veteran's home (generally between 6-10 months of age).

3. AVSDA pays for surgical neutering and first year vaccinations of AVSDA provided dogs at an AVSDA approved veterinary hospital.

AVSDA does NOT pay for:

1. Dog care, food, maintenance, grooming, veterinary well-care, and emergency expenses; these are the responsibility of the student.

AVSDA has an attendance policy:

1. Classes meet weekly for 18 months. 

• Every enrolled student is required to attend weekly online and/ or in-person group lessons.

• Every enrolled student is required to complete weekly assignments and submit assigned course materials.

2. Students with excused absences may make up missing course work and lessons.

3. Students with unexcused absences may be required defer enrollment, switch to part-time enrollment, or be excused from the program. 

4. Dogs that display aggression, pervasive disruptive behaviors, or unsuitability for service dog work will be excused from the program.