Qualifications and Commitment

HAVING A SERVICE DOG is a 24/7/365 COMMITMENT to EACH OTHER

Company 2 Heroes is a unique service dog training program specializing in guide/assisted self-training of service dogs for veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other physical injuries. Company 2 Heroes – Veteran Service Dog Training Program will provide:

  1. Cost-free weekly training at various levels to certify an approved dog to meet the federal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
  2. Gear and equipment required for service dog training and presentation
  3. Recertification every year
  4. Program will conduct follow ups over the life cycle of the K9 Team to ensure program is in compliance with various grant and state requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: If you are a Veteran who is interested in applying for our service dog training program, please read the following information carefully to determine if you meet our eligibility requirements. To be considered for training for a Service Dog in the program you must meet the following criteria:

  • Willing and able to commit to the training program and schedule
  • S. Veteran who served in any branch of the uniformed services in any era and have been released from all service and reserve obligations; and
  • All participating Veterans must provide proof of military service by presenting a copy of their DD-214 with “honorable” discharge as proof of military service or letter from your command showing you are within 90 days of pending discharge and in process of transitioning out of the military; and
    NOTE: We wish to leave no veteran behind and believe this program is designed to help our most vulnerable veterans. For those veterans who were improperly separated by the military under an “other-than-honorable” discharge (OTH or bad paper) due to undiagnosed or untreated PTS, TBI or other mental health issue as result of their service, or currently under reconsideration by DOD review, we will review your application on a case-by-case basis. In these cases the veteran must have sought, initiated, or received either emergency, inpatient, residential or outpatient care at the VA or a Vet Center.
  • All veterans either “honorable or “other than honorable” in the program must have a VA acknowledged disability for PTS, TBI or MST that is either diagnosed, rated or being treated. In all cases, ALL VETERANS must submit a completed form from their current Provider/Physician that recommends that this program/training regimen and a service dog would be beneficial to your treatment; and.
    NOTE: Veteran must have no other underlying diagnosis that would jeopardize their safety, the safety of the dog or the public.
  • Must live in a permanent residence (out of hospital or off base) and have the means and ability to provide a stable, safe environment for your dog which includes: food, veterinary care, love, exercise, etc. and have an adequate support system (family or caregiver) in place in the event you are unable to; and
  • Must be willing to commit to the program, attend weekly training classes with your dog and be willing to become more independent as you work with your highly-trained service dog.
  • Must be willing to stay in contact with routine check-ins. We may email you periodically, as certain grant programs may require this kind of feedback.

K9 ASSESSMENT: If you are bringing a dog in for assessment you will have to meet the following criteria:

  • Dog is no older than 5 years of age (some exceptions made due to breed longevity)
  • Dog has no evidence of aggressive behavior towards people or other animals
  • Dog is current on Rabies and all required vaccines
  • Dog has no major medical disorders or issues
  • Dog is a spayed female or neutered male
  • Dog can pass a behavior and extensive temperament testing and evaluation

PLEASE NOTE: Owning a service dog and enrolling in this training program is a substantial commitment, you should expect to:

  • Attend weekly training and follow-up with a trainer via phone or email – weekly with questions or concerns.
  • Attend re-certification session every year.
  • Provide for your dog’s health needs, including monthly heartworm preventive, flea/tick preventive, annual veterinary examination and necessary vaccinations, grooming and emergency veterinary care.
  • Provide a copy of your dog’s updated medical records to Company 2 Heroes at your yearly re-certification.

If you meet the above criteria and your Provider/Physician feels a service dog may assist you in your recovery, please download the APPLICATION here, complete it and return it to Company 2 Heroes – Veteran Service Dog Training Program at Info@company2heroes.com or online at www.Company2Heroes.org/application