Application Process

Before applying for a service dog, please review the Qualification of Applicants page.

  1. Fill out a General Application.

  2. We will review your application.

  3. If approved, you will receive a more extensive Warrior Application.

  4. After review and approval of the Warrior Application, we will schedule a home visit.

  5. If you meet all criteria, you will move to Warrior Candidate status.

  6. Warrior Candidates participate in training classes 6 months before anticipated graduation. Warrior Candidates must participate in a minimum of 12 classes and work with various dogs in the training program. Some classes will be in public locations.

  7. After 12 classes, the Warrior Candidate will be matched with a dog and enter the 2 week Warrior Team Clinic. Once complete, the Warrior and dog will graduate from the program.

  8. The follow-up schedule with IOWA Service Dog representatives is as follows:

    1. Once a month after graduation for 6 months

    2. 9 months after graduation

    3. 1 year after graduation

    4. IOWA Service Dogs will re-certify Warrior Teams every year around the team’s graduation anniversary date.

*IOWA Service Dogs reserves the right to deny an Applicant or Candidate at any point. Reasons may be communicated to the Applicant or Candidate to rectify denial. Applicants will be considered based on both need and the date the completed application is received.