*** Please read everything! All of the information provided is extremely important!***

Please read the letter from our Founder and Executive Director, Jennifer Arnold regarding Canine Assistants and our Teaching Methodology before proceeding to the application below.

Dear Applicant,

I would like to take a moment to tell you more about our program. This is our 33rd year in operation. It took us nearly 23 of those years to realize that all dog training techniques have unintended negative consequences. So, after a tremendous amount of research, we developed the Bond-Based Approach® to educating dogs. Central to the Bond-Based Approach is the understanding that you must give your dog what he needs before he can give you what you need.

We have also learned something else over the years -our dogs aren’t right for everyone. For those who are more traditional in their views of dogs and discipline, our approach may be difficult. If you find it hard to imagine asking a dog to do something rather than telling him, we will flat-out make you crazy! And, if you have thoughts of saying what you need to say to get a dog and then handling the dog as you choose when you get home, I have bad news. Methods other than the Bond-Based Approach don’t work with our dogs. Our dogs fall completely to pieces when handled differently, resulting in such delights as diarrhea, anxiety-based barking, inappropriate chewing, and failure to perform as requested-the list goes on and on.

I promise it just isn’t worth it to start with one of our dogs if you aren’t 100% committed to doing it our way. If you cannot commit to our approach, that’s okay. Not every program is right for every person. There are other programs, easily found on the internet, that are a better fit if you have a more traditional view of dogs and what constitutes appropriate treatment of them. But, if you are willing to fully and completely embrace our methodology, we look forward to reviewing your application!

With much affection,

Jennifer Arnold
Canine Assistants
Founder/Executive Director

Please review the entire online questionnaire before beginning to input your answers. You MUST attach the four documents at the end of this page in order for your application to come through correctly. Use the Save and Continue Later function if you do not have all four documents to attach right now. If you use the Save and Continue Later function, a link will be emailed to you (check your spam folder) that will be valid for only 30 days. This works most consistently if you use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your browser. Please note that there are two parts to our application, the Medical History Form(s) (MHF) and the below online part. The second portion of the medical form is for applicants who have a mental health diagnosis, or are being treated for mental health symptoms. That portion of the form is to be completed by the applicant’s mental health provider.

We will not be able to process your application until we have both the MHF from your doctor(s) and this online questionnaire (with all four documents attached) filled out by you.

Thank you for your interest in our amazing dogs!

**Please note that we are not able to place guide dogs nor are we able to place dogs with individuals who manifest behaviors beyond their control.  For information on other programs better suited to help under those particular circumstances, please visit the internet.**

Dear Applicant,

Below you will find the form to apply for a service dog from Canine Assistants.  Please complete all required fields and read below for more information regarding the application process.

Application Process:

Step 1. Complete all required fields in the online application below.

Step 2. Medical History Form(s): Your doctor must email or fax the Medical History Form(s) directly back to us.  You must sign and date the medical history form before giving it to your doctor.

Step 3.  Once we have your completed application on file, we will contact you via the information you provide on the application, so please make sure it is accurate.

Please note that our wait list is currently 5+ years.  We encourage everyone to apply to as many organizations as possible.  We want you to get the help you need and deserve whether that is through us or another organization who can provide a service dog faster.  Utilize the internet to find other service dog schools or organizations who might be able to help you.  Do your research and please be wary of scams and illegitimate organizations/services.

If you need additional information, feel free to call me at (770) 664-7178 ext. 203 or at (800) 771-7221 ext. 203.

With warmest regards,
Nicole Hern
Recipient Services Coordinator

Canine Assistants reserves the right at any point in the process and at our sole discretion to not place a service dog if we feel the placement would not be beneficial. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Hern at 770-664-7178 ext. 203.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out all required fields below, and this form will be sent directly to our Recipient Coordinator.