Service Dog eligibiity Policy

Service Dog Applicant Eligibility Policy

Last updated: July 2025

Canine Assistance Puerto Rico conducts its acceptance process in a manner that will not discriminate against any applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, the presence of physical or mental disability, sexual preference, life-expectancy or whether the individual is a disabled veteran or veteran of any era.

Although Canine Assistance Puerto Rico has found that there is no “recipe” to predict a successful applicant, we have found that the following general characteristics and abilities are essential to the production of a successful graduate team and thus will be considered in the acceptance or denial of an applicant.

To train a full service dog an individual should have the following abilities and characteristics:

Physical ability to control, manage, and care for a dog and the ability to create an effective support system
Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with the canine
Financial ability to provide for his/her canine partner’s daily care, routine, and emergency veterinary needs
A lifestyle which would be significantly enhanced by the increased independence that a canine would provide
A positive outlook and the willingness to solve problems
The willingness to seek assistance and advice from the graduate network
A willingness to learn about the responsibilities and benefits of a service dog
The willingness to be continuously accompanied by a canine partner throughout daily activities
A realistic understanding of the canine’s emotional and physical needs
The capacity to relate to a canine partner, both physically and emotionally
A realistic view of his/her disability and appraisal of his/her abilities
The ability to set realistic goals, and the problem solving ability and dedication to achieve or modify those goals
The motivation to achieve as much independence as is realistically possible
An appropriate peer/family support system to provide assistance during daily and emergency situations
An adequate space or a provision for the canine’s exercise
A safe and accessible location for the canine’s daily walks, elimination, and sniffari time
A clean, organized, and safe home environment
The maturity necessary to assume the responsibility of a service dog partner
The ability to learn new information in a group setting, usually consisting of 2 – 9 students

No applicant will be considered unless all requirements of the application process have been completed.

All applicants must be willing to complete the following:

Liability Release Consent Agreement
Non-Disclosure
Media Release
Veterinary Recommendation for Service Dog
Service Dog Application attaching Drivers License and DD214 if applicable
Have a sterilized pet by starting date.

All applicants must be willing to complete, and submit objectives by designated due dates.

All applicants must complete Part 1 training successfully.

All applicants must complete Part 2 training successfully.

All applicants must agree to comply with the follow-up policies and procedures of the organization or return vest immediately.

Applicants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodations, and attendant care during Team Training or other Canine Assistance Puerto Rico activities.

The applicant must demonstrate a sincere desire to have a canine partner in their lives. Dogs will not be trained for individuals who express that they do not wish to be partnered with a dog, even if family members or caregivers believe such a partnership would be beneficial.