Do I Qualify for an IOWA Service Dog?

 

Working with a service dog is demanding. If you have reviewed the “Is a Service Dog Right for You?” page and believe a service dog is a good option for you, please check the applicant qualifications below. If you have further questions, contact us at warrior@iowaservicedogs.org or by phone at (515) 207-3324. You might qualify if:

  • You are a disabled First Responder in the areas of law enforcement, firefighter, EMS, or dispatch or a Military Veteran.

    • First Responders will need to provide their former supervisor’s contact information.

    • Veterans will need to provide a copy of their DD-214.

  • You are not a Veteran on active duty.

  • You have been diagnosed with a psychiatric impairment, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or a mobility impairment.

  • You are able to care for the dog financially, in addition to providing the necessary care to keep the dog healthy and happy.

  • You are able to provide a support system in the event of an emergency that would cause you to be temporarily unable to care for the dog (injury, illness, etc.).

  • You are able to maintain the dog’s training. IOWA Service Dogs will follow up regularly to verify the dog is being cared for and behaving appropriately.

  • For the safety of our dogs, applicants with a violence-related history within the past 5 years or substance abuse within the past 2 years are ineligible. Your health care professional must verify that you have not abused illegal substances or alcohol for a minimum of 1 year.

  • You are willing to attend classes and mandatory training before and after graduation including:

    • Six months of pre-training

    • Two-week Warrior Training clinic in West Des Moines, Iowa after match

    • Once a month for 6 months after graduation

    • Nine months after graduation

    • One year after graduation and every year after while the dog is in service for re-certification

  • You reside in Iowa or one of its bordering states.

  • You remain in our service area for a minimum of 1 year to participate in follow-ups with IOWA Service Dogs representatives.

  • IOWA Service Dogs reserves the right to remove the dog in the event the dog is not properly cared for or training is not maintained. Specifics will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.