Medical Mutts Service Dogs Inc

Medical Mutts offers three main paths for service dog training:
1. Getting one of their expertly trained service dogs: These are rescued dogs, carefully selected and trained by Medical Mutts. Clients spend 10 days at their Indianapolis facility for team training upon receiving their dog.
2. Board & Train program: Clients’ own dogs are trained at the Medical Mutts facility to become service dogs.
3. Train Your Own Service Dog (Group Classes/Private Coaching): Group classes involve weekly online sessions combined with a 4-day in-person workshop at their Indianapolis facility over a year. This program teaches 30+ essential service dog behaviors, from foundational obedience to advanced tasks like scent detection, medical alerts, and mobility support, using kind, science-based methods. It includes live instruction, ongoing support, exclusive materials, behavior issue help, personalized training paths, and opportunities for Public Access Test and CGC certification. Private coaching is also available.

Pricing Summary

The “In-Home Medical Alert Companion Dogs” program is priced at half the cost of their regular service dogs. For service dog owners, annual costs are estimated at about $2500 for food, vet care, and other expenses. A testimonial states that pricing is fair.

Policies

If the initial service dog match proves challenging within the first few months, Medical Mutts guarantees dedication to finding a suitable replacement dog. To maintain certification, clients need to pass the public access test annually.

Medical Mutts Service Dogs Inc. is a unique organization dedicated to training rescue dogs as service dogs. They are recognized as world experts in medical detection, having pioneered groundbreaking training methods for conditions such as diabetes, seizures, and psychiatric challenges. All their dogs are scent trained to recognize changes in a person’s physiology.

They offer three tailored options for obtaining a service dog: getting one of their expertly trained dogs, having them train your own dog through their board & train program, or learning to train your own dog via group classes or private coaching. Their training methods are science-based, kind, and ethical, avoiding harmful tools while building confidence and trust. They also offer an “In-Home Medical Alert Companion Dogs” program for dogs that excel in home environments but may struggle in public, providing a quicker and cheaper option.

Medical Mutts is committed to rescuing dogs, using the same selection criteria as organizations with breeding programs, focusing on temperament, age, physical traits, and health. Only about 1 in 4 rescue dogs qualify for their service dog program. They also provide certification opportunities for service dogs, including Public Access Test and CGC certification.

Accomplishments

Medical Mutts is recognized as world experts in medical detection, having pioneered groundbreaking training methods. Their CEO, Jennifer Cattet Ph.D., was involved in the first study demonstrating the existence of a scent related to hypoglycemia, and their dogs were among the first to prove a specific scent associated with seizures. They conduct research and promote collaboration between dogs and people through research, education, and ethical training.

How to Get Started!

To get started, potential clients can contact Medical Mutts via their contact form, phone, or email. For those considering a service dog, they advise assessing financial responsibility, increased visibility, the learning curve, the need for a support system, commitment and care, meeting the dog’s exercise needs, and the impact of a service dog on daily life. If referring a dog for their program, an assessment request form is available.