Service Dog Application

Welcome. This application is the first step toward a Warriors Choice service dog. It takes about 20 minutes.

Before you start, have these ready:

  • Your DD-214, or proof of first responder service
  • A recent photo of yourself
  • Your story, as a PDF or Word document, roughly 500 to 800 words
  • Contact details for three references, and a short letter from each

There is no cost for the dog. If your application is approved, a $350 application fee applies, which covers background checks and processing. The dog, its training, and your transition training are provided at no cost to you.

Our team personally reviews every application.

Applicant & Contact Information














Your Service











What You're Seeking

The kinds of dogs we place.

Service Dog. Trained to perform at least three tasks tailored to your disability, and granted full public access when properly trained. Placed with a handler 16 or older who can work the dog in public without assistance. Tasks may include interrupting nightmares, panic and hypervigilance, providing balance and bracing support, retrieving items, opening doors, and creating personal space in public.

Skilled Companion. Trained in obedience and a set of custom tasks to assist you at home. A skilled companion does not have public access rights.

Not sure yet. Tell us that and we will help you find the right fit during review.

Placement is a long-term partnership, not a handover. Every recipient takes part in continued training, periodic check-ins and evaluations for the working life of the dog.







Matching details. Your height and weight help us size a dog correctly, which matters most for balance and bracing work.




Experience with Animals and Service Dogs










Your Home







Dogs and Pets at Home

About applying with a dog already at home. Applicants who already have a dog may wait longer for a placement, because dogs are matched first to applicants without one. If you would like your own dog considered for service work instead, that requires a formal in-person evaluation at our location.

If you have dogs at home, tell us about each one below. Use "Add another response" if you have more than one.









Daily Care and Commitment

Caring for a working dog. A service dog needs consistent daily care. Please tell us how you would handle each of these:

  • Physical activity and conditioning
  • Exercise, play, training and mental engagement
  • Feeding, nutrition and access to clean water
  • Medication, preventative care and veterinary appointments
  • Grooming, hygiene, nails, coat and teeth
  • Daily cleanup, waste, bedding and equipment








Two honest questions. A placement asks real things of you. There are no wrong answers here, and knowing where you stand helps us help you.





Documents & Uploads




References

Three references. Please give us three people who know you well, at least one of them outside your family. Each reference should be someone you have known more than eight years and have been in contact with in the last eight months. We will contact them, and we also ask each one for a short letter.



















Your Essay

Required essay. This essay is required and must be submitted as a PDF in the format below.

This application must be in the words of the person who will be paired with the Service Dog. If writing is difficult for you, provide the name and relationship of the person transcribing your words below.

1,200+ word MLA formatted essay. Please use size 12, Times New Roman font, single space, and include a works cited page.

Please include:

  1. Your path into the military, or into service as a first responder.
  2. Your family life.
  3. What are your personal interests?
  4. What are your expectations of a Service Dog?
  5. How do you think a service dog works?
  6. How do you think the service dog maintains its ability to work and be utilized to meet your needs?
  7. What are the basic principles of Classical and Operant Conditioning?
  8. How are they used in everyday life?
  9. How do you see the benefits of entering into a Focused Cognitive K9 Resiliency program as beneficial for your disabilities?






Application Fee

Application fee: $350. This covers your background check and the processing of your application, and is paid when you submit this application.

This fee is non-refundable, including if your application is not approved. Please make sure you have read what the program asks of you before you pay.

The dog itself costs you nothing. The dog, its training and your five-week transition training are provided at no cost to you.











Agreements & Consent

Media Release (Image, Name, Likeness, Video, and Audio)

In consideration of my participation in the programs and services of Warriors Choice Foundation, Inc. (“WCF”), a Florida nonprofit corporation, I grant WCF and its authorized representatives the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free right and permission to photograph, film, and record me, and to use my name, image, likeness, voice, and statements (the “Materials”).

I authorize WCF to use, reproduce, edit, publish, distribute, and display the Materials, in whole or in part, in any media now known or later developed, including print, broadcast, online, and social media, for any lawful purpose, including fundraising, marketing, education, and promotion of WCF’s mission.

I understand that I will receive no compensation for the use of the Materials and that WCF is not obligated to use them. I release WCF and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and assigns from any and all claims arising out of the use of the Materials, including any claim for invasion of privacy, right of publicity, or defamation.

This release is governed by the laws of the State of Florida and is binding on me, my heirs, successors, and assigns. I am at least 18 years of age and have read and understood this release.

Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnification Agreement

In consideration of being considered for and participating in the programs of Warriors Choice Foundation, Inc. (“WCF”), a Florida nonprofit corporation, including its Master Resiliency Program and Service K-9 program, I agree as follows:

Assumption of Risk. I understand that participation in WCF’s programs, including activities involving service dogs and dog training, carries inherent risks, including physical injury, animal-related injury, property damage, and emotional distress. I knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, whether known or unknown.

Release. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, waive, and discharge WCF and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, trainers, and agents (the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, and causes of action for any loss, injury, or damage arising out of or related to my participation, including those caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.

No Guarantee of Placement. I understand that submitting this application does not guarantee placement of a service dog. Placement decisions are made at WCF’s sole discretion and depend on multiple factors, including dog availability and suitability, the match between dog and applicant, completion of all program requirements (including the Master Resiliency Program), a successful home assessment, and ongoing compliance with WCF’s policies.

Indemnification. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim brought by me or a third party arising out of my participation or my acts or omissions, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

Exclusions. This agreement does not release the Released Parties from liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Governing Law. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Florida. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. I am at least 18 years of age and have read and understood this agreement.

Electronic signature. By typing my full legal name below and submitting this application, I am signing this application electronically. I agree that my electronic signature is the legal equivalent of my handwritten signature, and that it applies to the Media Release, the Release of Liability, and every acknowledgment above.


Contact Information