Is a service dog right for you?
A service dog provides greater independence and confidence in your daily life. However, a service dog is a tremendous amount of work that takes effort, commitment and patience on your part every single day. Before you request an application from us, answer these questions honestly. If you answer no to any of them, MASDF is not be a good fit for your needs.
Would you have full command and control of your dog in a public setting? This includes being able to give commands, hold a leash and always keep the dog under supervision. For success in our organization, a caregiver or assistant cannot help provide command and control of the service dog.
Are you between the ages of 13-70?
Is your primary diagnosis considered a mobility disability?
Do you live within 50 miles of Hinsdale, IL?
Are you willing and able to attend our weekly Monday night classes in Hinsdale from 6-7pm for at least one year? After that initial requirement, you must attend classes at least once a quarter.
Do you lead a relatively active lifestyle, leave the home at least once a day and are not homebound
Do you have the means and resources to care for a dog upon placement? While our dogs are provided free of charge, you are responsible for food, veterinary care and all other costs associated with owning a dog. You are also responsible for exercising and grooming the dog regularly.
Are the people you live with willing to support your relationship with a service dog? Will they adhere to basic guidelines and requirements associated with having a service dog?
Bringing a service dog into your life is a massive lifestyle change. Are you mentally, emotionally and physically ready to handle this change and commitment?
Can I leave my service dog at home?
No. A service dog should never be left unattended. The service dog is with you 24/7 meaning, wherever you go, it goes including doctor’s appointments, infusion centers, work, errands, restaurants, movie theaters, public transit, and vacations. You wouldn’t leave your cellphone at home, neither should you leave your service dog.
How do I apply for a service dog?
To apply for a service dog with MASDF, please first fill out our application request form found here.
Once the request form is completed and based on your responses, we will email an application.
What kind of service dogs do you train?
We only train mobility service dogs. We do not train dogs for PTSD, emotional/psychological disorders, diabetes, autism, allergies, or vision/hearing impairments. If you are looking for a dog outside of mobility concerns, we encourage you to look at the Assistance Dogs International website to find an accredited organization better suited to your specific needs.
I own a dog or will get one from a shelter/breeder. Can your organization train that dog to become my service dog?
No. We only vest dogs that have been selected and trained by our organization. Our puppies begin training at about 8 weeks old and continue their training for 18 months.