PRE-APPLICATION CHECK LIST

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING

COLLECTING DOCUMENTS

In order to complete the online application, you will need to obtain the following documents:

  • Have your provider complete a Freedom Service Dogs Medical History Form. Our process requires a medical form from a physician or mental health professional.  
  • Identify two emergency contacts and have them sign our Emergency Support Contact Form. These contacts will be responsible for caring for your service dog if you are hospitalized or away for a long time.  
  • Identify two references who are not related to you, one personal and one professional. Have them complete the Letter of Reference Form and attach it to your application.   
  • A photo of yourself. You will post this to your profile. First responders should upload a photo of their work ID card.  
  • Basic financial information. 
  • Military and veteran applicants will also need to provide a legible copy of their DD214. 

All of the above documents are required.

 

THE APPLICATION: WHAT TO EXPECT

  • The application is lengthy, so please allow plenty of time to get through all the questions. We estimate it will take two hours. Save your application and come back to it if needed.  
  • Fill out all required fields and upload required documents.  
  • Find someone from your network of support to assist you with the application if needed.  

 

AFTER APPLYING: WHAT’S NEXT?

  • Upon submission of your application, we will begin reviewing it. Any outstanding items required for the application will delay this process. 
  • If you are found to be an appropriate candidate, you will receive a request for an interview. In this interview, we will continue to ask questions pertaining to you, your needs, and your preferences. 
  • After the interview, you will receive an email to complete a background check. Our team will review your application and interview to make a decision about your acceptance to the waitlist. This could take a few weeks.  
  • The wait times for clients on our waitlist can be lengthy- please ask staff for updated estimates during the interview. Being reachable while on the waitlist is crucial. 

Please do not start the service dog application until you have all the required materials and are ready to spend several hours completing it.

Start Service Dog Application