How much does a service dog cost?
Hearts of Gold provides dogs free of charge to eligible veterans. After partial transfer of ownership, the dog is your financial responsibility (veterinarian care, food, supplies, medical emergencies, etc.) We find that a dog’s basic needs costs a minimum of $1500.00 per year. This may be more once the dog ages and/or if they develop any medical conditions.
How long is the application process?
From the time an application is received, through the review process, online course and training, it may take up to a year, or longer, before a dog is placed in your home. This is based on a variety of factors, one being the availability of an appropriate dog for your specific needs.
How old are the dogs when the client receives them?
Typically, the dogs are 24-36 months old.
I am in the reserves or National Guard Am I able to have a service dog?
No. It is Hearts of Gold policy that applicants are free of any and all military obligations, with exception of the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR).
I need help understanding what you mean by “tasks to mitigate my disability.”
Please refer to the following information by going to Possible Tasks for Service Dogs. You should discuss with your health care provider any concerns or questions you have regarding your specific needs for a service dog and possible tasks you would need the dog to perform for you.
My health care provider thinks I would benefit from the companionship of a dog. Should I apply for a service dog or an emotional support dog?
Please see the differences between a service dog and emotional support animals here: Which is for Me? and discuss your specific needs with your healthcare provider. Feel free to give them our contact information and direct them to reach out with any questions or concerns they might have regarding how we might be able to meet your circumstances appropriately.
I see there is an online course I need to take. I don’t have internet/a computer/I have unreliable internet. Can I still apply?
Yes, though you will need to eventually have availability of a computer, laptop or another device, and access to the internet. A smartphone is not sufficient to be able to complete the course. Access to a computer and/or internet may be available through a local library, vet center, community building, or through a friend or family member. Hearts of Gold may be able to arrange travel to our facility to use one of our learning stations or direct you to the WVU Mountaineer Veteran Bunker where they will assist you, depending on your location.
I don’t read very well. How am I going to be able to take the online course?
The readings in the course are available as audio on YouTube. Hearts of Gold staff will do our best to support you with any challenges you have with the course materials. We want you to succeed!
I would like to speak with a veteran that has been through your training program. Is that possible?
Yes! We have veterans that have participated in our program, have service dogs and have been trained and approved to support veterans as “sponsors”. You may have questions or concerns with any part of our training, from application through placement of a dog in your home. Let us know if we can put you in contact with a veteran sponsor.
I have a psychiatric disability. Why is it required that I be in counseling for six months prior to application and for the duration of training, unless treatment plan is completed?
Hearts of Gold has found that the road to obtaining a service dog may add new challenges and stressors. Hearts of Gold staff endeavors to support our veterans through this process and offers additional support through our veteran sponsor program. In addition, we have found it is helpful for our veterans with psychiatric disabilities to establish, re-establish or continue a relationship with a mental healthcare provider.
Is a background check necessary?
Yes. Hearts of Gold wishes to establish the best environment for our dogs. We will provide you with any findings that are questionable before making a final decision regarding eligibility. Many animal rescues require this before someone can adopt. Our service dogs need this same consideration.
I understand that the VA will pay for veterinarian care. Is this true?
Your local VA can answer this question for you. It is our understanding that the service dog needs to be from an Assistance Dogs International (ADI)- “accredited” agency. Though Hearts of Gold exceeds ADI accreditation standards, we are in the process of obtaining official accreditation and unsure when our accreditation will be finalized. You will need to be able to provide financially for your service dog until we are accredited.