Apply

Our Application Process

Learn about eligibility requirements and what you can expect during the application process.

Determine if the Program is the Right fit for the Candidate

Please click below to complete and submit your online application.

For Veterans, we will need a copy of your DD214 at the interview.

Apply for Service Dog Training

Service Dog Program Eligibility Criteria

Applications for the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Program will be accepted regardless of race, sex, or religious preference.
Applicant must live within 100 miles of program headquarters.
Applicant must be able to meet the physical and financial needs of an assistance dog.
Applicant must be actively pursuing the goal of independent living and seeking to improve the quality of his/her life through partnership with an assistance dog.
Applicant must agree to follow through with all aspects of the current application process, to complete team training, and to abide by all program policies, procedures and follow-up guidelines.
Applicant must be disabled by the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Must be a Veteran* or a First Responder** to receive the training at no charge.
Applicant must be physically and emotionally able to train their own service dog.

*Veteran- served in the United States military

**First Responder defined as a person who has a trauma resulting in PTSD as a result of Public Service Action

Costs Associated with 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Course

Students are responsible for the costs:

To obtain their dog
Veterinary care for their dog including vaccinations, flea and tick preventative, and heartworm preventative
Feeding and maintenance of their dog
Training Supplies
Boarding if needed
Spay or neuter of dog
Microchip and identification tags for their dog
Boots, seatbelt for traveling with their dog
Dog Treats and poop bags
Yearly veterinary health check for dog
Travel to weekly classes

There is no charge to Veterans or First Responders to take the service dog training course through 4 Paws 2 Freedom. All other costs for the care, medical and maintenance of the dog lies solely with the student.

If you have PTSD and are not a Veteran or First Responder and are interested in participating in the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Program, we do not have funding at this time to offer the class at no cost.

If you would like to attend, we offer the course at our cost: $5,000. $2,500 is due upon start of the program, plus 10 monthly installments of $250.

Submit Application

a man with a dog on his lap is using a computer

After we receive your application we will contact you and send instructions through email. We will be asking you to complete a few more forms and send them to our admissions department for review.

Be aware that the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Training program requires you to commit time each day to logging your progress and practicing with your dog. There is a significant time investment throughout the Service Dog Program.

We will also be sending you a release of information form. We will be sending a letter to your Primary Care Physician and your Mental Health Provider to let them know you have applied for a service dog. Once we receive your completed Release of Information Form(s) we will schedule your interview.

Apply for Service Dog Training

Obtaining a Dog if You Don't Have One

If you already have a dog you would like to train, please click on the link below to determine if your dog has what it takes to be a service dog.

If you do not have a dog or you feel like the dog you have will not meet the requirements then it is time to look for the partner than can help you with your PTSD. Please click on the link below and DOWNLOAD this information and show it to the rescue/ shelter/breeder so they know what you are looking for. It is important to let the rescue/shelter/breeder know that you are looking for a service dog (NOT A PET). If the dog you choose ends up not being who you need, you will need to return it. If they have questions about this they are welcome to contact us.

We are available to assist you with this process. Please contact us at 916-966-6758 or email us at contact@4paws2freedom.org (or complete the "Contact Us" form at the bottom of this page), and one of our trainers will contact you.

Finding the best dog to become your service dog is very important. Note that for many people choosing an adult dog from a rescue/shelter organization may require bringing home several dogs before they find the right fit. It is important that you are prepared to return the dog if they are not a good fit. Dogs in shelter or rescue environments can behave very differently when you meet them than they do once they are comfortable in your home. You will likely see a change in the dog after about 48 - 72 hours of being in your home.

Sometimes the behaviors are better after they are comfortable, other times they are not. At this time, review the list of behaviors from FINDING THE RIGHT DOG to determine if this dog has what it takes! If you are not sure, or if you have questions, please contact us. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP if the first dog you bring home does not work out. The right dog is out their waiting for you to find them!

Remember... This is not a Pet! The dog must be able to work and do a job that requires them to be in new situations and surrounding, and not all dogs have this particular gift.

Click below to read more about finding the right dog.

Finding a Dog

Requirements

Health Requirements

All Service Dogs must be in Excellent health in order to become Certified through 4 Paws 2 Freedom.

Dogs that have disabilities will not be able to participate in our Service Dog Program. Working dogs need their bodies to be in top condition to perform their best and to help you.

Veterinary Recommendation

To be admitted into the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Service Dog Program your veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Recommendation and agree that your dog is healthy enough to be a working dog.

The Veterinary Recommendation is a physical exam. It does not require xrays or blood work other than the heart worm test unless the veterinarian feels there is a problem.

Please DOWNLOAD the Veterinary Recommendation by clicking on the button. Schedule a physical exam for your dog and give the Veterinary Recommendation form to your veterinarian to complete. We will be asking you to submit this signed document online. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.

a black dog sitting in front of a sign that says downtown roseville

Download Veterinary Recommendation

Interview

During the one hour interview we will determine what tasks you would like your service dog to do to assist you. We will discuss your needs and start the enrollment process.

We must have all your paperwork submitted before you will receive acceptance into the program.

Acceptance or Denial to Program

After the Interview your file will go to our Admissions Department who will review it. A letter of acceptance or denial will be sent to you. We offer many classes at various locations throughout the year. Based largely on your input, our Admissions Department will determine which class will be the best fit for you and you will be given the schedule for the class you are enrolled in.

Depending on the wait for your class to begin, we may send you to one of our weekly obedience classes in the interim. There is no charge for you to take this extra class.