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A service dog from Foliage Retrievers can be life changing for its handler. Our in depth matching process ensures that the dog fits the personality, lifestyle, and the needs of their handler. Your safety and the safety of our highly trained canines are of highest priority. Please begin the process by answering our questionnaire below.
We understand this is a lengthy process but we are available to help. Please be patient as we are a small organization with limited resources at this time.
IS FRSD THE BEST FIT?
If you are interested in applying to one of our Service Dog programs, the process begins with several pre-qualifying questions which will help determine if FRSD is the right Service Dog organization for you. The questions are designed to determine eligibility and fit with FRSD’s program. The questions will only take a few minutes to answer.
THE FULL APPLICATION
If you complete the first step, you can expect to spend 30-45 minutes completing the application. The application will ask for details about your situation and why you and your care team feel that a Service Dog can help. Please have contact information for your doctor, employer, veterinarian (if applicable), and landlord with you as you go through the application. Once completed, your application will be reviewed by FRSD and you should expect to receive a response within 6-8 weeks of your application.
DOCUMENTATION
If we believe that a Foliage Retriever Service Dog may be a good match for you we will be in touch to request further information and documentation which may include medical documentation or referrals.
INTERVIEW
If both your application and documentation indicate that you may benefit from a Foliage Retrievers Service Dog then we will be in contact with you to schedule a phone interview. The interview process is a good time for us to continue to learn if you’re a good match for our program, and for you to learn if we are a good match for what you need. Once we have all of the required documentation back and we still feel a dog may be a good match for you then we will schedule a home visit. If you are well outside of our radius we may first ask for a home video.
PROPOSAL
If all of the pieces: the application, medical documentation, interview, and other screening go well then we may elect to send a customized proposal for you to review. Choosing to get a service dog is an important and difficult decision. Please take your time when making this decision and consult with family and friends. We want to ensure that this is the right decision for you.
Support FRSD: Fundraising
We ask each of our accepted clients to support FRSD by raising $9,000. This contribution goes towards the operating costs involved in raising, training, and matching our unique and highly skilled dogs.
After being accepted into the FRSD program you will meet with an FRSD representative to develop a fundraising plan.
WAITING LIST
If after careful consideration you feel that you would like to proceed with joining our waitlist we will then place you on our waiting list. Our waiting time varies depending on what tasks are needed, match between dog and handler, and availability of dogs. We understand our clients may be able to be served faster at a larger organization, we simply ask that you notify us so we can withdraw your name from the waiting list if you are able to acquire a dog from a different program or for any other reason.
MATCHING PROCESS
Once a dog is located that may be a good fit we will get in touch with you and provide more information at that time.
TEAM TRAINING
If you are matched with a dog, you will be invited to join us for team training. Further details will be provided to you if this is the case.
