Medical Service Dogs

Financial Assistance Program

Program Overview

We partner with the Above the Standards Service Dog Training Program to provide specially trained service dogs to children in need, addressing challenges such as mobility issues, seizure alerts, and psychiatric needs. We fundraise to offer financial assistance, helping families afford the costs associated with obtaining a service dog. Our program includes an application process, partial funding for training, and ongoing support for integrating the dog into the child's life and school. Together, we aim to enhance the quality of life for these children through the companionship and support of service dogs.

Application and funding

We believe in the transformative impact service dogs can have on children, offering companionship, support, and independence. Service dogs are not just pets; they provide emotional and physical assistance, fostering confidence and enhancing well-being. However, the journey to obtaining a service dog involves significant time, dedication, and financial resources, making it difficult for many families. Our Service Dog Scholarship Program

helps to alleviate some of the financial burden that makes it impossible for families to get a service dog. Through fundraising and community support we aim to support families on this journey. For more information on how to apply or to find out if a service dog is the right fit for your child, please contact us at kirsten.gooddog@gmail.com

Service Dog Training Support

In addition to fundraising, we support the transition of the service dog to the child including training, relationship building, integration into the child's life, and support with integrating the dog into the child's school. The Above the Standards Service Dog Training Program is designed for children with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, and mobility impairments. These service dogs are specially trained to provide life-saving alerts for medical emergencies or assist with physical tasks, giving children greater independence. In collaboration with medical professionals, the training is tailored to the child’s specific condition, ensuring that the dog can meet their unique needs. For instance, diabetic alert dogs are trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels, providing early warnings that allow children to manage their condition more effectively.

Play Video

Real Stories

Children we have been able to provide fundraising for

Sage's Story

Liam's Story

Chase's Story

Eligibility

Child must be at least 6 years of age at time of application.

Children under the age of 18 years old, MUST have "Parental Consent” to apply.

Those under the age of 16 can not be the Primary Handler of the dog. Therefore, a parent or guardian must be willing and able to serve in this role. The person who is going to be the dog’s Primary Handler must be trained to handle the dog, before the person under the age of 16 is trained to handle the dog.

Must have at least one documented medical or mental health diagnosis and an active treatment team in support of that diagnosis.

Must be under the care of a licensed medical or mental health professional who is willing to provide a “Letter of Medical Necessity” attesting to the diagnosis and stating that in their medical/professional opinion that the applicant would receive benefit for having a Service Dog.

Must be willing and able to travel to Ponce de Leon, Florida for all required training. The frequency of which is determined by the program for which the applicant is selected.

Must agree to abide by and follow ALL Above the Standard Dog Trainings Policies & Procedures, Contracts, and use of the dog for its intended purposes.

Must be able to meet the physical and financial needs to care for an Above the Standard Service Dog.