How we choose our recipients
How we choose our recipients
At InVested Service Dogs, we are committed to creating successful, lasting partnerships between well-trained service dogs and individuals with legitimate, demonstrated need. Our recipient selection process is designed to be thorough, ethical, and supportive, ensuring that every dog is placed in a home where they will thrive and make a true impact.
Prospective clients begin by submitting an Interest Form and Application, which collects important information about:
Their daily lifestyle
Family and household details
Existing support systems
Preferences and needs in a service dog
Financial understanding of the responsibilities involved
Applicants requesting to owner-train must share details about their current dog or preferences if they need assistance acquiring one. Those requesting a dog from us are asked to share breed/size/gender preferences — with the understanding that temperament and ability take priority over personal preference, unless the request is medically necessary (e.g. allergies).
We require a doctor’s note (using our provided form) confirming both:
The individual’s need for a service dog
Their capability to care for and manage a working dog
If a doctor’s note is not possible, we accept two letters of recommendation from non-family members. This protects the integrity of our program and ensures all placements are legally and ethically sound.
IVSD is happy to assist in sending the request to the appropriate medical provider on the applicant’s behalf.
A structured interview is scheduled (phone, Zoom, or in person), ideally with the client’s family or support system present. During this step, we:
Clarify eligibility for one of our three placement tracks (Full Service, Started Service Dog, or Owner-Trained)
Get a deeper understanding of the client’s needs
Answer questions about expectations, responsibilities, and program fit
Applicants are asked to document 2–4 weeks of typical daily activities using a form provided by IVSD. This gives us an inside look at:
Physical demands
Social routines
Environmental triggers
Likely scenarios where the dog will need to assist
Together, the client and our trainers will develop a personalized task list. This is:
Client-led to reflect actual, meaningful needs
Carefully reviewed to prevent “task-shopping” (requesting unnecessary or inappropriate tasks)
Required to include special considerations (e.g. weight-bearing mobility tasks must be medically supported and matched with specific dog criteria)
Clients requesting heavy mobility support may need to sign an addendum for weight goals if a dog’s safe size-to-handler ratio must be met.
After reviewing all documentation, IVSD determines whether we are able to meet the client’s needs and officially offer them a place in the program.
Accepted clients will receive a formal acceptance letter and a digital and physical client file will be opened and maintained.
Depending on the placement track:
Owner-Trained clients receive a custom training plan and must meet progress benchmarks to remain in good standing.
Program-Supplied Dogs may be matched with clients based on needs and lifestyle, often after meet-and-greet sessions.
Dogs already in training may be matched when they reach approximately 12 months old.
If no match is available immediately, the client may wait for an upcoming litter or puppy search.
For Full Service Placements, the dog is placed fully trained and begins a gradual integration process:
Daily hands-on training
Weekly follow-ups
Monthly check-ins for the first 6 months
Started Service Dogs continue training with the client until the dog is considered fully functional for service work (minimum one month of successful working partnership required).
All graduates must:
Pass a Public Access Test exceeding ADI standards
Complete routine check-ins every 12–18 months (video or in-person)
We reserve the right to withdraw support from teams who do not uphold training commitments or who violate program standards.
Dogs who do not meet service criteria may be placed as career change companions or considered for future therapy or facility work.