The eligibility criteria for those seeking a service dog.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must be a veteran of the U.S. Uniformed Services with an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge as indicated on your most recent DD214.
- Other discharge types will be considered on a case by case basis
- You must be released from all military and reserve obligations including Reserves and National Guard duty. Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) is permitted.
- You must have a mobility and/or a psychiatric disability.
- Your disability does not have to be service connected
- There must be specific tasks which a dog could be trained to mitigate your disability. For more information on tasks please see Possible Service Dog Tasks.
- You need to currently be under the care of a health care provider who can document your specific need for a service dog (not an emotional support dog). Which is for Me?
- You must live within 100 driving miles of our facility (45 Poultry Loop, Morgantown WV 26505).
- You must be able to travel to the Hearts of Gold facility, located in Morgantown, WV for initial placement and required follow up (Hearts of Gold may reimburse for mileage and/or lodging).
- If your disability includes PTSD or any other psychiatric disability, you must currently be in counseling and /or have access to your mental healthcare provider. If currently in counseling, you must remain in mental health treatment for the duration of your training with Hearts of Gold,or until your treatment plan is complete.
- You must have been seen by your Mental Healthcare provider sometime in the 6 months prior to applying for a service dog
- You must have had at least 6 hours of counseling during that time.
- You must have the ability to take and pass a written and practical examination.
- You must sign a medical release of information with your healthcare provider and your mental healthcare provider (if you have a psychiatric disability) so that Hearts of Gold staff may speak to them regarding your needs.
- You must be able to pass a criminal background check, paid for by Hearts of Gold.
- You must be able to provide proof of income (copies of monthly pay statements, tax documents, bank statements, and disability income verification are accepted).
If you meet these basic criteria, please continue reading below for other important requirements. If you do NOT meet these basic eligibility criteria please visit Assistance Dogs International to locate a service dog agency that places dogs in your area or nationally.
Other mandatory requirements:
- You must be able to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of a dog and have an adequate support system in place to do so when you are unable to meet those needs yourself.
- You must have the full support of your family (including any caregivers), your employer, and your landlord, (where applicable), in your quest to receive a service dog.
- You must be willing and able to commit to the training program and schedule . See What to Expect
- You must be able to provide financial support for the dog after placement (approximately $1500.00 a year).
Applicants will be considered for partnership with Hearts of Gold regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), marital status, sexual orientation, or other categories protected by law.
If you are still interested and think you might meet these minimum requirements, your next steps are to:
- Read our FAQs
- Read the more detailed description of the training program and timeline in What to Expect
- Be reviewed for an application by completing our Eligibility Survey
- After you have completed the Eligibility Survey, we will reach out to you to discuss any questions or concerns we have and, if eligible, direct you to the application.