FAQs
FAQs
Q: What types of service dogs do you train?
A: We train service dogs for psychiatric support, PTSD, mobility assistance, autism, hearing alerts, medical response, and some types of medical alert. Each dog is trained based on the specific needs of their future handler.
Q: What breeds do you use?
A: We primarily use Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds due to their proven success in service work. Occasionally, we consider other breeds with appropriate temperament and health.
Q: Do you train emotional support animals (ESAs)?
A: No. We only train task-trained service dogs that assist with diagnosed disabilities. Emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not covered under the same laws and are outside our scope. We do occassionally place career changed dogs into these roles.
It is important to note that ESAs and Therapy Dogs do not have public access rights under Florida and Federal Law.
Q: Who qualifies for a service dog through InVested Service Dogs?
A: Applicants must have a diagnosed disability (or diagnosed need), be able to care for a dog physically and financially, and demonstrate a need for task-trained assistance in daily life. A doctor’s note or recommendation letters are required.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Full placements typically occur when the dog is 20–30 months old. The wait depends on availability, match fit, and client readiness. Owner-trained dogs follow a custom timeline. Started service dogs are placed at a younger age.
Q: Is there an age requirement to apply?
A: Clients must be at least 16 years old or have a parent/guardian applying on their behalf for minors. Children under 10 may be considered case-by-case with strong parental support.
Q: How much does a service dog cost?
A: Right now, InVested Service Dogs is a new and growing program — and we’re upfront about the fact that the full cost of a trained service dog is between $15,000 and $35,000, depending on placement type. While we currently do charge the full amount, we actively encourage and support client-led fundraising. At the same time, we’re building our donor base to help offset costs for future placements. We also host monthly donation events, where every dollar raised goes directly toward reducing the financial burden on our clients. We view this as a team effort, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Q: Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance?
A: While we don’t currently offer formal payment plans, we actively support our clients in fundraising efforts and may be able to connect them with sponsors or local community partners. We do accept incremental payments on dogs that are still in training and not yet ready for placement, allowing families time to fundraise as the dog progresses through the program.
Q: Are dogs provided for free?
A: In some cases, yes, especially for high-needs individuals or when a donor sponsors the full placement. However, clients are always responsible for ongoing care, including veterinary expenses, gear, food, and follow-up training. Right now, fully funded placements are rare, but our long-term goal is to grow our donor support so that every dog can eventually be placed at no cost to the client. We’re actively working toward that future with every fundraiser and sponsorship opportunity.
Q: Can I train my own dog through your program?
A: Yes, we offer support for owner-trainers whose dogs pass a temperament and suitability evaluation/ board and train. Clients must commit to a structured training plan and regular check-ins. This usually requires a long-term commitment.
Q: What’s the difference between a full service dog and a started dog?
A: A Full Service Dog is fully trained and has graduated before placement. A Started Dog has foundational training and continues working with the client after placement to finish training under our guidance. We will be there every step of the way.
Q: Will I get to be involved in my dog’s training?
A: Yes! Even with Full Service placements, we encourage periodic involvement and require team training to build a strong bond and prepare you for life with your dog.
A: We prefer dogs in our program to wear clearly marked service dog gear (such as a vest, harness, or cape) while training or working in public. However, we do not require that our logo be used on the gear.
We ask that dogs not wear gear featuring gross profanity or clearly offensive graphics when representing the program. That said, we understand that people have different interpretations of what’s “offensive,” and we promise to be reasonable and liberal in our decisions. Our goal is simply to ensure professionalism and respect for the public image of service dog teams.
A: Upon graduation, each dog receives a custom vest designed for their task work and training in our colors with our logo. While the vest is yours to use, please note:
Use of the vest is optional after graduation
It cannot be sold or transferred to another person or program
If you choose not to use it, we kindly ask that you return it to us so it can be used by another team in need
Additional gear may include a leash, collar, training tools, etc relevant to your dog’s work.
A: While we do not currently place puppies with outside raisers, we’re open to building that part of our program in the future. If you're interested in becoming a puppy raiser, we encourage you to reach out and introduce yourself now — that way we can connect with you directly if the need arises as we grow.
Q: What happens if my dog doesn't work out?
A: We work hard to ensure the right match, but if a placement isn’t successful, we will reassess and either adjust training, rehome the dog if necessary, or guide the client to a better fit.
Q: What’s a “career change” dog?
A: These are dogs who were evaluated or trained for service work but were found to be better suited as companions, therapy, or facility dogs. They may be available to approved homes.