Requirements & Processes – Topaz Assistance Dogs INC

REQUEST AN APPLICATION TYPES OF ASSISTANCE DOGS FOR PLACEMENT -Mobility Assistance- -Autism Assistance- -Veteran Assistance- -Seizure Response- -Dual Trained Assistance Dogs- APPLICATION PROCESS • Submit preliminary application: If the preliminary application meets Topaz’s placement criteria, you will be contacted to submit a full application within 14 business days. • Submit full disability application along with completed medical reference forms from treating doctor. • Provide reference support contacts (3) • Background check clearance • In-Home needs assessment interview $75 donation application fee Submitting the application and completing the interview does not automatically guarantee acceptance for an Assistance Dog. Upon review, acceptance for an Assistance Dog will be determined. PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for placement with an Assistance Dog, an individual must: • Have a diagnosed physical disability, debilitating chronic illness or neurological disorder • If the dog is trained for seizure tasks, the individual must have a minimum of two seizures per month • Be physically and cognitively capable of participating in the training process • Involvement with the organization before, during and after placement with an Assistance Dog. • Be able to independently command and handle their Assistance Dog • If the dog is being placed with a child with autism the parent/guardian must be the primary handler • Commit to meeting the emotional, physical and financial needs of the Assistance Dog • Live in a stable home environment • Actively participate in fundraising efforts • Have no other dogs in the home (can have other pets) • Live in an area serviced by a Topaz: Currently within a 50-mile radius of Dallas. PLACEMENT PROCESS Upon being accepted for partnership with an Assistance Dog, clients will: • Attend a minimum of six (6) approved training meetings to work with different program Dogs, improve dog-handling skills and knowledge about life with a Service Dog before being matched with your Dog. • Meet your new partner! • Team Training: Over a period of 3-5 months meet with our trainer regularly to learn how to work and navigate with your Assistance Dog. • Certification: Skills Assessment Test and Public Access Test • Follow up check ins and lifetime ongoing support • Annual re-certification OWNER TRAIN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Eligibility for acceptance into our Owner Train Program: • Have a diagnosed disability that effects daily life activities and independence • Completion of our Owner Train Disability Application submitted with the Medical Reference Forms (filled out by treating doctor). • Background check clearance • In-Person interview and dog evaluation Dog requirements • Under 2 years old at the start of training • Veterinary health clearance and proof of up to date vaccines • Spayed/Neutered • Dog must pass our temperament evaluation $75 donation application fee + appropriate training fees If your Dog does not qualify for the training program, we can help you select a suitable candidate. Dogs in our Owner Train program are held to the same high standards of training as our placement Dogs. Topaz Assistance Dogs are required to be re-certified annually. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, age, nationality, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service status or any other consideration as indicated by federal, state or local laws.

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