Service Dog University Inc

The program focuses on providing service dogs to individuals with disabilities to enhance their independence and quality of life. Dogs are trained using operant conditioning with an emphasis on positive reinforcement, customized to the specific needs of each client to mitigate their disability. The program includes ongoing support and training even after the dog is placed in the client’s home.

The process involves canine acquisition (dogs under two years old, aptitude tested), client assessment and orientation (interview, needs assessment, timeline), basic dog training (Mary Owens ensures basic skills), client basic training (client learns mechanics with assigned dog, in multiple locations including home visits), client dog service training (client and dog work together with trainers to learn unique needs, frequent home visits and stays), and graduation with ongoing support. Upon graduation, the dog remains SDU property, but the client assumes care responsibilities. SDU remains available for consultation and new skill assistance permanently.

Pricing Summary

Service Dog University Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that does not charge clients for the service dog or the extensive training costs. The agency’s cost to train each dog is between $16,000 and $20,000, funded by donations, sponsors, and grants. Clients are asked to donate what they can and, if possible, participate in fundraising to help cover the training costs.

Policies

Service Dog University has a non-discrimination policy covering race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in all activities. Upon graduation, the service dog remains the property of SDU, allowing them to take possession if the client is hospitalized or the home environment becomes unsafe for the dog. Clients assume responsibility for the dog’s daily care, feeding, grooming, and medical needs. SDU provides permanent ongoing consultation and assistance for new skills. If the dog outlives the client, SDU will arrange for another living situation for the animal.

Service Dog University, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity founded in Northwest Florida in 2014. Their primary purpose is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing service dogs to improve their independence, dignity, and quality of life.

They do not charge clients for the dog or the extensive training costs, relying solely on private contributions, business support, foundation grants, and fundraising events. The organization has no paid employees.

Their Training Director, Mary Owens, is a CPDT-KSA certified professional with 40 years of experience in dog training. Dogs are trained using the most efficient application of Operant Conditioning, with a strong emphasis on positive reinforcement. Training is customized to meet the specific needs of each client.

Accomplishments

Service Dog University, Inc. was founded in 2014 and operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity. Their Training Director, Mary Owens, holds the CPDT-KSA certification and has 40 years of experience training dogs.

How to Get Started!

To apply for a service dog, applicants must complete an application and submit it with a doctor’s letter via mail or email. The board reviews applications monthly, and potential clients are contacted for an interview. If an applicant has an existing dog for training, a $50 nonrefundable evaluation for temperament and aptitude is conducted during the interview. The board then votes on acceptance into the program at the subsequent monthly meeting.