General Information

Is IOWA Service Dogs a nonprofit?
Yes, IOWA Service Dogs is a nonprofit exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)3 of the internal revenue code. Our Federal Employer Tax ID is 84-3525069.

Where is IOWA Service Dogs located?
We are based out of West Des Moines, IA but we serve all of Iowa and the surrounding states.

What type of dogs do you train to become service dogs?
We currently train Labrador Retrievers that meet strict health and behavioral clearances.

What is a service dog trained to do?
Defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA; A service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

What happens to the dogs that don’t become service dogs?
Not every dog is suited to become service dogs. A change of career dog will be matched as a skilled companion for a first responder or a veteran. The dog is trained in basic obedience and some tasks to help assist the clients in the home. Skilled companion dogs are not granted public access.

Do you train dogs for people who are not first responders or veterans?
No, we train service dogs for first responders and veterans only. Please see our general service dog page for resources for those who are looking for a service dog but are not first responders or veterans.

Volunteer Information

How can I help?

How can I become a volunteer?
There are many ways to get involved and volunteer with us. Filling out a simple form for one of our many volunteer opportunities will allow for us to contact you. 

How can I request a speaker to come to my business or event?
We would love to come and speak at your business or event. Please email events@iowaservicedogs.org with the event information and an IOWA Service Dogs representative will be in contact with you.

Warrior Information

How do I know if I qualify for a service dog?
Please read the information on our “Is a service dog right for you” page carefully to determine if you are eligible to apply.

How does IOWA Service Dogs decide who is a candidate for the training program?
Determining which applicants are candidates for the training program relies on these fundamental criteria:

  • whether you can meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the dog,

  • whether you have an adequate support system in place to do so when you are unable to yourself,

  • whether IOWA Service Dogs feels that we can train a dog to perform specific tasks which can mitigate your disability, and whether we have such a dog currently available in our training program, and

  • whether you are willing and able to make a commitment to the training program.

In addition, you must be capable of providing financial support for the dog after ownership has been signed over to you.

Since each case is unique, there is no “recipe” for matching an applicant with a dog. Warrior- dog teams are a partnership – a two-way relationship between person and dog. The success of the partnership is dependent on the needs, abilities, and personalities of both individuals.

Do I have to pay for a service dog through IOWA Service Dogs?
There is no application fee and no charge to you for a service dog through IOWA Service Dogs or for any of the associated training. However, because you will need to forward certain medical information and other records to us as part of our application process, you will be responsible for any copying or postage charges for such documents. You will also need to provide your own transportation to and from training and, as a result will be responsible for any costs associated with doing so.

If you and a service dog from IOWA Service Dogs are eventually matched, successfully meet the training requirements, are certified by IOWA Service Dogs, and graduate from the program, ownership of the dog will be transferred to you. At that point, you will then be responsible for all of the usual costs associated with owning a dog.

Clients are not required to participate in any fundraising activities for IOWA Service Dogs. In fact, ANY funds raised by potential recipients, their families, their employers, etc. does not guarantee they will receive a dog. Once a team has completed their training commitment and certification, they are welcome (but never required) to volunteer for IOWA Service Dogs.

How long is the wait for an IOWA Service Dog?
Dogs are matched with Warriors based on the dog’s skills, strengths, temperament, and energy level, and the applicant’s needs, experience, personality, and lifestyle. There may be an indefinite wait for the right dog to become available for a particular applicant.

Do I get to pick out my own dog?
No. Warrior- dog teams are a partnership – a two-way relationship between person and dog. The success of the partnership is dependent on the needs, abilities, and personalities of both individuals.

If I have a puppy/dog of my own that I want trained, do you do this?
No. The job of a service dog is not an easy one. It takes a very special dog to succeed, most do not. We raise and train only pre-screened 8-12 week old puppies who have been donated to or purchased by IOWA Service Dogs.

Why didn’t I get approved for an IOWA Service Dog?
IOWA Service Dogs reserves the right to deny an Applicant or Candidate at any point from receiving a service dog. Reasons for denial may be communicated back to the Applicant or Candidate to rectify denial.

What are the consequences of neglect, not keeping up on the training, etc.?
IOWA Service Dogs reserves the right to remove the dog in the event the dog is not being cared for properly or its training is not being maintained. Specifics will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.