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Service Dog Readiness Checklist

Before you decide to apply for a PTSD Service Dog, it's important to assess your interest and readiness. It's also important for you to explore all of the various programs that exist.Some offer more intensive training programs that will help you re-assimilate into public settings with a Service Dog. Our program benefits those veterans that are already able to go out into public settings on a regular basis but helped by the assistance of a PTSD Service Dog. If you need a dog to help you make that transition, we recommend that you apply to a different program that can meet your needs.

Some offer more intensive training programs that will help you re-assimilate into public settings with a Service Dog.

Our program benefits those veterans that are already able to go out into public settings on a regular basis but helped by the assistance of a PTSD Service Dog. If you need a dog to help you make that transition, we recommend that you apply to a different program that can meet your needs.
Are you a post 9/11 military veteran diagnosed with PTSD/TBI or MST because of your military service? (If you are currently active duty, you must be within 6 months of discharge with no possibility of deployment)
Have you been declared legally disabled by a mental health professional due to PTSD?
Do you reside within our service area? (Central and Southern California, Western Nevada, Western Arizona)
Are you currently in treatment for PTSD for at least the past consecutive 8 months?
Can you provide referrals from a licensed mental health professional, a family member, and a friend?
Do you go out into public settings unaccompanied by another person?
PTSD Service Dogs work primarily in public. Do you go out into public settings unaccompanied by another person 3 or more times a week?
Do you want more interaction with the public? Service Dogs attract the attention of people and some will want to meet a Service Dog. We encourage our vets to allow their dogs to interact briefly and occasionally with members of the public to maintain certain social skills.
Do you enjoy the company of a dog? Do you like the idea of having a dog around 24/7? A Service Dog is with you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A significant part of having a Service Dog is simply enjoying his or her companionship.
Are you willing and able to fairly and consistently follow a trainer’s advice to maintain a Service Dog’s training?
Are you physically able to walk a dog approximately a mile every day for exercise?
A PTSD Service Dog will need a high-quality dog food, several outings each day to relieve himself, grooming, veterinarian visits, exercise, playtime and affection from you. Do you have the means and the desire to meet those needs?
A Service Dog can will require up to $1,000.00 in expenses per year. Can you afford a Service Dog?
Do the people you live with want a dog in the home? Are they willing to follow The Sam Simon Foundation’s guidelines regarding the care we advise for a dog?
Do you have a solid support system to help you care for a dog when you are unable to for a day?
 
I have read all the information on this page and believe I meet all the requirements to apply for a Service Dog.

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