The NEADS Service Dog Application and Matching Process

Being matched with a NEADS Service Dog can be a life changing partnership. These partnerships come together through our unique matching process, which relies on an exceptional attention to details of both client circumstances and canine capabilities.

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The Application and Matching Process

Most NEADS dogs are purpose-bred for temperament, health and personality traits best suited for service dog work. They are trained for 14 to 16 months, during which time we identify which dog has the skills and temperament for which applicant. On the client side, we believe the more we can understand about a prospective client’s lifestyle and expectations, the better we can pair them with a Service Dog that meets their needs. This happens through a multi-step application process.

By truly understanding the dog and the needs of each client, and by working closely with the pair once the match is made, our process ensures a successful and lasting partnership.

Applying for a Service Dog for physical disabilities or hearing, a child with autism or other developmental disabilities, or an Assistance Dog for the classroom, hospital, courthouse, ministry, or therapeutic settings includes the following steps.

Our Service Dog program for Veterans with PTSD has been designed to meet your unique needs and follows a different application process. Learn more here.

To determine if NEADS is the right Service Dog organization for you, each application begins with a Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire that will take just a few minutes and is completed on our website.

Take the Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire here.

"We trusted the timing - that just the right dog would enter our lives at just the right time."