For individuals with disabilities, a Service Dog can be a life-changing companion, providing essential support, independence, and confidence. Whether you need a Service Dog to assist with mobility, medical alerts, or other specific needs, understanding the best way to get a Service Dog is crucial. 

At Your Service Dog Inc, we specialize in helping people train and partner with their own Service Dogs, guiding you through the entire process—from selecting the right dog to mastering essential skills. Here’s how to get started! 

 Step 1: Determine If a Service Dog is Right for You 

Before beginning your journey, it’s important to determine whether a Service Dog is the right choice for your specific needs. 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a Service Dog is a specially trained dog that assists an individual with a disability—which can be physical, sensory, psychiatric, or medical in nature. If you struggle with daily tasks that a dog could be trained to help with, a Service Dog may be the perfect solution for you. 

At Your Service Dog Inc, we can help assess your unique needs and guide you toward the best solution. 

 Step 2: Choose the Best Path to Getting a Service Dog 

Once you’ve decided that a Service Dog is right for you, the next step is figuring out how to get one. Unlike many other programs that involve long waitlists and high costs, Your Service Dog Inc offers an affordable, hands-on approach that puts you in control. 

Here are some of your options: 

1. Work with a Traditional Service Dog Program (Long Waitlists & High Costs) 

Many organizations train Service Dogs for individuals with disabilities. However, these programs: 

• Have long wait times—often several years.  

• Are highly selective, with only a small number of applicants receiving a dog.  

• Still require months of training after receiving the dog to ensure it meets your specific needs.  

For those who need a Service Dog sooner rather than later, this may not be the best route. 

2. Train Your Own Service Dog with Expert Guidance (A More Personalized Approach) 

Did you know that you have the legal right to train your own Service Dog? This approach allows you to develop a deeper bond with your dog while ensuring it meets your exact needs. 

At Your Service Dog Inc, we provide the tools, resources, and expert guidance you need to train your own Service Dog effectively. Our proven training programs include: 

• Step-by-step training plans that walk you through each stage.  

• Personalized coaching to help with specific tasks and challenges.  

• A supportive online community where you can connect with experienced trainers and other Service Dog Teams.  

If you choose to train your own dog, we highly recommend working with an experienced Service Dog training organization – like Your Service Dog Inc – to ensure that your dog meets the highest training standards. 

 3. Work with a Specialized Training School (Like Ours!) 

Unlike large Service Dog programs that assign pre-trained dogs, we provide a hands-on, personalized approach to Service Dog training. 

With Your Service Dog Inc, you’ll receive: 

• One-on-one guidance from professional trainers.  

• A structured, step-by-step training program tailored to your needs.  

• A cost-effective alternative to expensive Service Dog programs.  

Our school ensures that you and your dog train together from day one, creating a strong working relationship and a reliable service team. 

 Need a Dog? Our PEP Program Can Help! 

Not everyone already has a suitable dog for service work. That’s why Your Service Dog Inc offers the PEP Program (Prospect Evaluation & Placement)—a unique opportunity for qualifying individuals to receive an evaluated and partially trained Service Dog prospect. 

Through this program, we: 

• Select and evaluate potential Service Dog candidates based on temperament, health, and trainability.  

• Provide foundational training to prepare the dog for specialized Service Work.  

• Match the right Service Dog Prospect with the right Human Partner, ensuring the best possible training outcome.  

If you don’t already have a dog but are ready to begin your Service Dog journey, our PEP Program may be the perfect solution to help you get started faster. 

 Step 3: Train Your Service Dog for Success 

No matter which path you choose, your Service Dog must undergo comprehensive training to ensure it can perform necessary tasks and behave appropriately in public. 

At Your Service Dog Inc, we provide: 

• Basic Foundation Skills – Teaching your dog how to behave properly in public.  

• Task Training – Customizing the dog’s skills based on your disability-related needs.  

• Public Access Training – Ensuring your dog is well-behaved and able to Work reliably in a variety of environments.  

We also offer certificates of completion to demonstrate your training progress. 

 Step 4: Know Your Rights as a Service Dog Handler 

As a Service Dog handler, you are protected under the ADA, which means your Service Dog is allowed to accompany you in public places, workplaces, and housing. 

Businesses may only ask two questions: 

1. Is this a Service Dog required because of a disability?  
2. What tasks has the dog been trained to perform?  

At Your Service Dog Inc, we educate our clients on how to confidently advocate for their rights while ensuring their Service Dog meets all training expectations. 

Get Started with Your Service Dog Today! 

Now that you understand how to get a Service Dog, why wait years when you can start today? 

At Your Service Dog Inc, we make Service Dog training accessible, affordable, and effective. Whether you’re looking for guidance in training your own dog or need expert assistance in selecting and training a new partner, we’re here to help. 

Contact us today to discuss your needs and take the first step toward increased independence with a Service Dog by your side! 

Visit our website to learn more, or email us at inc@yourservicedog.info