Frequently Asked Questions - 4 Paws for Ability

View the frequently asked questions at 4 Paws for Ability.

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General FAQs

Q. What is 4 Paws for Ability’s mission?
4 Paws for Ability enriches the lives of children and veterans with disabilities by the training and placement of quality, task-trained service dogs to make a life-changing difference.

Q. Is 4 Paws for Ability a non-profit organization?
Yes, 4 Paws for Ability has been a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization since 1998

Q. How many service dogs has 4 Paws for Ability placed?
4 Paws for Ability has placed over 2,000 service dogs.

Q. Where does 4 Paws for Ability place service dogs?
4 Paws for Ability serves children and veterans with disabilities across North America.

Q. Is 4 Paws for Ability part of Assistance Dogs International?
Yes! In December of 2025, 4 Paws became a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. As a Member Organization of ADI, we believe that organizations and individuals involved in the assistance dog industry have common goals and interests that are best achieved by uniformly complying with all local, state and federal laws as well as ethical, moral and legal policies, practices, and procedures. We are honored to demonstrate our commitment to this belief through voluntary participation in the ADI accreditation process. Our achievement of ADI accreditation means that the facilities and operation of our assistance dog organization meet ADI’s standards of excellence. For more information visit: assistancedogsinternational.org

Assistance Dog FAQs

Q. What is an assistance dog?
Under Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an assistance dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

Q. Does 4 Paws for Ability train therapy dogs or emotional support animals?
No, 4 Paws for Ability does not train therapy dogs or emotional support animals. We only train assistance dogs.

Assistance dogs are task-trained to mitigate a disability for an individual and are protected by the ADA to have public access.

In contrast, therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other similar settings. Therapy dogs do not have legal access to public places and are not protected under the ADA; therefore, they are not required to follow specific training requirements. They work with a handler who takes them to various places to visit people who may benefit from their presence.

Lastly, emotional support animals provide emotional comfort to people with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. These animals do not require specific training, but they are prescribed by a mental health professional to help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions. They are permitted to live with their owners in housing that may otherwise prohibit pets, but they do not have legal access to public places

Q. What types of assistance dogs does 4 Paws for Ability train?
4 Paws for Ability task-trains customized service dogs for children and veterans with disabilities, with no minimum age requirement for placement. These dogs are individually trained to perform specialized tasks based on the partner’s needs, including behavior disruption (deep pressure therapy and redirection), high/low blood sugar detection, seizure response, mobility support (retrieving items, pulling wheelchairs, toggling light switches), tethering to prevent dangerous wandering, and search tracking to locate lost children. 4 Paws also places hearing ear dogs and facility dogs.

Q. Can you train my pet dog or rescue to be a service dog?
We do not train dogs from outside of 4 Paws for Ability to be service dogs. Please check out Assistance Dogs International (ADI) for other organizations that may be able to assist in evaluating and training a pet dog to become a service dog.

Q. I have other dogs in the house, can I get a service dog?
Many organizations do not place service dogs with other dogs in the house. 4 Paws for Ability will consider doing so, providing there are no more than three pet dogs in the house, and that all pet dogs are current on 4 Paws-mandated vaccinations, they are current on monthly heartworm preventative, are spayed or neutered, friendly towards other dogs, are inside dogs, and are free of significant behavior issues which may be transferable to a service dog. We will be checking with your veterinarian to confirm these things.

Q. What breeds does 4 Paws for Ability use?
4 Paws for Ability uses purebreds or combinations of the following breeds: golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, golden/lab mixes, golden/lab/Newfoundland mixes, standard poodles, golden doodles and papillons upon request. 4 Paws for Ability is focused on temperament and health, which align with the placement of a high-quality assistance dog.

Q. Where does 4 Paws for Ability get the dogs they train?
4 Paws for Ability utilizes its own breeding program. These are dogs specifically bred for health and temperament. Careful breeding has increased the chances that 4 Paws service dogs have a higher likelihood of success in their career, and as good stewards, it is the most effective use of resources to place life-changing service dogs.

Q. Where are the 4 Paws for Ability dogs trained?
4 Paws for Ability puppies are raised by volunteers who teach them basic obedience and house manners. These include college students who are part of our 4 Paws for Ability chapters at various local universities, our prison program, and in people’s homes. When they are old enough, they enter our advanced training program at our Xenia, Ohio location to learn the tasks for their future partner.

Q. How are the dogs trained?
At 4 Paws for Ability, our dogs are trained using positive reinforcement, meaning that they learn through rewards like treats, praise, and play. This approach builds a strong bond with trainers and helps each dog develop a genuine love for their work. We focus on making training fun, motivating, and encouraging so the dog feels confident and excited to help their partner.

Q. It looks like 4 Paws for Ability does not train the specific type of service dog that I need. Can you refer me elsewhere?
Although 4 Paws for Ability is unable to serve you, we encourage you to consider other accredited Assistance Dogs International (ADI) member organizations. As members of ADI, these organizations strive to uphold the highest standards in the training and placement of assistance dogs. ADI has a search feature which allows you to check off specific criteria. Checking these boxes will filter your search criteria to populate organizations that provide these specific types of service dogs.

Service Dog Application FAQs

Q. Who is eligible to apply for a service dog?
4 Paws for Ability serves children and veterans. We welcome applications from individuals who are under 18 years old, or older than 18 and are not their own legal guardians, or local military veterans with a disability. Acceptance into our program requires that the necessary service dog training is within our scope of expertise, that the home is safe for the assistance dog, and the family is able to financially care for the dog.

Q. I completed the initial online application form. When will I be contacted?
All inquiring individuals should receive a response from 4 Paws for Ability within 2 to 4 weeks. Due to a high volume of applications, there is a chance that it may take longer than normally anticipated. We appreciate your patience.

Q. What is the application process and how long does everything take?
4 Paws for Ability has a comprehensive and interactive application process. Applicants must first fill out our application. A member of our client services team will then decide if the program is a good fit for the applicant and, if so, we will move forward to the next step of consideration. During this time, applicants will be asked to submit an application fee, and placement materials that include medical forms and forms from your veterinarian. We will then do an interview or virtual check-in to review the submitted materials. From there, if approved, you sign a contract listing the tasks for your unique needs. After that, you will move on to raising and submitting your fee for service. Three to six months after that fee for service is complete, we will send match forms to help us place the right dog. Upon receipt of these materials, clients move into the existing queue for our class schedule and, within a few months after materials are submitted, will have a check-in call. It typically takes 6-9 months to receive your match following that check-in call. During this time, we have internal dog selection meetings with our teams to find the right service dog for your family and the dog is trained on your tasks. You will receive your class assignment three months before class. You will receive your service dog match three weeks before class. Then you attend our 10-day class and, upon passing your public access test, will graduate. While each family and service dog in training go through our program at their own pace, on average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 years to receive your service dog after the completion of your fee for service. We continue to work to reduce the wait time for placement, but there are a variety of factors that affect this wait time.

Q. Is now the right time for our family to apply?
While a service dog can provide invaluable support, it’s important to remember that a service dog also comes with significant responsibility. For this process to be successful, it’s crucial to assess whether you are truly ready for a service dog. While there are unique considerations specific to service dogs, many of these responsibilities are similar to those of any dog owner. Taking the time to reflect on your readiness for this commitment will ensure that both you and your future service dog are set up for success. To learn more about the financial side of owning a dog, you can check out the AKC website.

Q. What about the cost of having a dog at home?
A service dog comes with ongoing costs that families should be prepared to manage. On average, you can expect to spend around $2,000 per year on the following: Dog food, Routine veterinary care, Supplies (leashes, toys, grooming tools, etc.), and Monthly medications (heartworm, flea and tick prevention)

In addition to routine expenses, families should also be prepared for unexpected medical needs. Some service dogs may develop health issues such as allergies or other chronic conditions. We strongly recommend pet health insurance to help manage these costs.

Q. I have completed my Fee for Service – what’s next?
Approximately 3 to 6 months after completing your Fee for Service, you will receive Match Forms and paperwork to support the placement process. This material helps our team understand your family’s unique needs and helps our team make a good match (personality, home environment). While a due date will be provided for us to receive these materials and to keep you on track for placement, you are welcome to submit them at your convenience. Upon receipt of these materials, clients move into the existing queue for our class schedule and, within a few months after materials are submitted, will have a check-in call. From there, it typically takes 6-9 months to receive your match. Typical wait times after completing fee for service are 1.5 to 2 years to receive your service dog. While a variety of factors affect this, we continue to work to reduce the wait time for placement.

Q. Our child is unable to handle a dog. Do you certify adult-child/dependent teams?
Yes. 4 Paws for Ability can place service dogs as a three-unit team for children/dependents who are unable to independently handle their service dog. In these situations, the trained adult handles the dog on behalf of the dependent. The trained adult must hold the leash. This is the most common type of placement at 4 Paws for Ability since our focus is on children.

Q. What is full public access for a two-unit team?
The service dog and the partner work together independently in public. To receive this certification, a partner has met the following criteria:
-Is cognitively and behaviorally able to work a dog in public with no support
-Is physically able to handle the service dog
-Independently completed the class preparation course
-Independently completed client placement class and passed the public access test

The minimum age that we see this type of certification is typically 12 years old, but it is common for kids to be older than that for this certification to be appropriate.

Q. Our child has multiple disabilities. Can you help?
Yes. 4 Paws for Ability service dogs are uniquely and individually trained to mitigate a wide range of needs and can be trained in a number of tasks, which could include training to mitigate multiple disabilities.

Q. What types of tasks does 4 Paws train for?
Some of the tasks that 4 Paws dogs are trained to do include:
-Medical alert such as seizure alert, diabetic alert and other scent-based conditions
-Search and rescue/elopement prevention for finding a missing child who has wandered or eloped from home or public, or using tethering to prevent a child from becoming lost in public
-Mobility skills such as weight-bearing and non-weight bearing tasks such as assisting with dropped items, doors, stability, etc.
-Behavior support, such as intervening during anxiety, meltdowns, etc (not for dangerous behavior)
-Hearing ear, such as alerting the handler to certain environmental sounds like alarms
-POTS

Q. Are there tasks that 4 Paws service dogs are NOT trained to do?
Some of the tasks and conditions that 4 Paws for Ability dogs are NOT trained to do include:
-Guide work for the blind
-Responding aggressively or providing personal protection
-Cardiac events
-Allergic reactions

Q. Do you provide service dogs to people with PTSD?
For children, we can provide service dogs for those with PTSD. This is where behavior disruption tasks can be beneficial. For example, we train the dog to do a “tap” or “nuzzle” from the child’s behaviors, instead of an alert. We are unfortunately unable to provide PTSD alert/response training to our service dogs for veterans. We have shifted our focus to providing mobility, hearing ear, and medical alert service dogs to veterans. We encourage those who could benefit from a dog trained in PTSD to check out the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) website to find an organization that can help with this.

Q. How accurate is the medical alert dog?
While 4 Paws will train scent for clients with any frequency of scent events of which we train, accuracy and consistency cannot be guaranteed. The client must have regular, distinct scent events, at least once a month, typically less than 4 a week, for the service dog to transfer the skill and establish an effective alert.

Q. Why isn’t the dog free?
Service dogs are not provided for free to individuals due to the extensive time, resources, and expertise involved in breeding, raising, and training them. The process requires careful selection, specialized training, and ongoing support to ensure the dogs are equipped with the necessary skills to assist individuals with specific disabilities. These efforts come with significant costs, including food, veterinary care, and professional training. Service dog organizations like 4 Paws for Ability operate as non-profits and rely on donations and fundraising to sustain their operations. The cost of raising and training the dog is approximately $40,000, but because of donations no one ever has to pay all of that themselves. Our shared fundraising model means that we raise half of that and the families complete their fee for service, which includes the other half. The majority of the cost to place the service dog has been covered by the generosity of our donor community because of the dedicated efforts of our Development Team.

Q. Can I choose the type of dog I get?
Selecting the best match to the client needs and lifestyle is a priority at 4 Paws for Ability. When matching the service dog and client, we will consider temperament, compatible personality and task assessment. We will not consider gender, color, or appearance. A low-shedding request may be made, and 4 Paws for Ability has limited spots in each placement training class to accommodate this need. Due to the additional expenses related to breeder acquisition, dentals and grooming, there is an additional cost of $3,000 for a low-shedding breed. Because a reduced number of dogs fit this criterion, it may be necessary to move the client to a later class for this need.

Q. How much money do I have to pay/raise before I qualify for a dog?
As of June 1, 2022 the fee for service is $20,000. This is only half of what it costs to breed, raise, and train a service dog. Due to additional costs related to breeder acquisition, grooming, and/or dental care there is also an additional cost for $3,000 for clients receiving a doodle, poodle or papillon. Many of our families do fundraising in their communities to help raise the fee.

Q. I need to start fundraising my fee for service – how do I get started?
After you’ve been approved as a client and have signed your contract, it’s time to get started on your fee for service. You can get started by reviewing the fundraising Canva course that the client services team will provide to you. The course has all of the information that will equip you with the tools, strategies and confidence to accomplish your goal. There, you’ll get ideas for fundraising, links to resources, and you’ll learn about our secure giving platform, QGiv, where you can create a fundraising page.

Q. What happens to the dogs who don’t make it through service dog training?
4 Paws dogs who do not pass their service dog training go up for adoption as “fabulous flunkies” to join families as pets. Dogs are often adopted by the volunteers who raised them. Our adoption fee is $2500. If you’re interested in applying for a Fabulous Flunky, please fill out the application here.

Q. What if the dog develops a condition that prevents them from working?
If a service dog develops a medical condition before age 6 that prevents them from working (and is not due to preventable or accidental causes and the client is in compliance/recertified), 4 Paws for Ability will provide a replacement service dog at no additional cost.

Q. When I’m ready for a successor service dog, what is the process and fee?
For those who are ready for another service dog after the first one retires or passes away, they should again fill out an application or get in touch with our client services team. We are committed to our families and as long as they can benefit from a service dog, they do not “age out” of our program. We will ask for new videos submitted. The fee for service for a successor dog is 25% of the total fundraising cost for those who have been in good standing with their first service dog (meaning they recertified each year).

Class FAQs

Q. What does class assignment look like?
Each of our dogs typically receives 4 to 6 months of task training from our professional dog trainers. Once the dog has demonstrated that they have the right temperament, personality, and drive, the client services team will reach out to extend an invitation to attend an upcoming placement training class. These calls occur 3 months before the class start date. Families receive their “match” three weeks prior to class starting. The match is the photo of your dog, along with their name, birthdate, and other details regarding their specific journey to becoming a service dog. We will have a virtual pre-class meeting with the trainer who will lead your class prior to the class taking place to answer any last-minute questions and go over the class schedule.

Q. What is a typical day like in the training course families are required to attend to learn how to work with and use their service dogs effectively?
This class is led by the trainers who know your dog best, so they can provide support as you bond with your new service dog. Class lasts approximately 10 days. Class instruction will include the basics of owning a dog, working within public spaces, utilizing their task training to support their partner, and more. The day usually goes from 9 AM to 4 PM, with a few 15-minute breaks and an hour lunch break during the day. During our tracking classes, we will go off-site each day to practice. Due to the class structure and amount of information, we are unable to deviate from this schedule. Class concludes with a Graduation ceremony open to the public, and that is also streamed live on Facebook.

Q. Who is required to attend class?
Two adults must attend the class with the child. This requirement ensures that one adult can remain fully engaged in the class while the other supervises any children who are present. Our goal is for families to receive and retain all of the important information covered during the session, as successful completion of the final assessment is required before taking your dog home. If an adult is unable to focus on the class because they are supervising children, it may impact their ability to pass the assessment. For this reason, we require two adults to attend whenever children are present.

Q. What languages are you able to accommodate?
The application process, interviews, all classes, individual instruction, and class materials are all completed in English. The client must provide any translations or translators, or provide interpreters for our hard-of-hearing clients.

Q. What are the criteria for graduation?
In addition to having the family attend class and learn all the tasks, the handler must complete a written assessment and a public access test (usually completed at the mall) the day before graduation.

Q. What happens when we go home?
A service dog requires significant time and commitment. Training is perishable, and our client handlers must work with them regularly to have success. We usually tell clients to allow for a three month adjustment period. Plan for the following responsibilities once you return home:
-Supervision: Constant attention and guidance throughout the day.
-Vet appointments: Regular check-ups and vaccinations.
-Exercise: At least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, like walks or play.
-Training: Daily practice of skills, even if not used everyday, to maintain effectiveness.
-Daily care: Tasks like cleaning muddy paw prints, feeding, sweeping up dog hair, and picking up feces from the yard.

These responsibilities, though manageable, add up. Prior to starting the process, take the time to assess if you have the time, energy, and commitment needed for a service dog.

Q. What are the requirements once we leave?
We are committed to working closely with the caregiver and client after graduation. We offer support through required virtual meetings, emails, and phone calls to enable the caregiver to learn how to utilize the service dog in the home and in public to the best of the caregiver and client’s ability. The caregiver agrees to take part in after-placement support, which directly contributes to the success of the team. This includes bi-weekly virtual check-ins for the first two months post-placement, then monthly thereafter until 6 months post-placement. Quarterly evaluations must be completed by the client at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months post-placement and yearly thereafter. Those who fail to comply with these requirements will not qualify for a replacement dog, should a behavior or medical issue come up.

Q. Why does 4 Paws require recertification from our clients?
We recertify with our clients on an annual basis to ensure all dogs are meeting our standards for care post-placement and allows us to stand behind our dogs. Maintaining this active certification is required to qualify for a replacement or successive service dog, helps with resources to travel or fly, and helps clients receive other benefits from the ADI organization.

Q. What is required for recertification?
In addition to check-ins with our professional trainers (outlined above), even after retirement we will ask for a yearly veterinary report documenting that the dog is receiving preventative health care, annual health checks/ vaccinations, and is maintaining a body condition appropriate for that of a working service dog. After completing recertification documentation, the client will receive an updated ID.

Q. What about taking my dog to school?
We recommend waiting 3 months after graduation to take your dog to school after you have had time to practice tasks with the dog regularly.

Donor FAQs

Q. How can I make a donation?
Donations can be made online HERE. Check donations may be mailed to 4 Paws for Ability at 207 Dayton Ave Xenia, OH 45385.

Q. How are donations used?
Funds donated directly to 4 Paws for Ability play a crucial role in supporting the entire process of raising and training service dogs. Your donations help bridge the gap between the client’s payment and the total cost to raise and train a service dog, making it more affordable for families to receive a life-changing service dog. By supporting us, you directly contribute to providing the necessary care, professional training, and specialized equipment that our service dogs require.

The cost to raise and train a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability ranges from $40,000 to $43,000, encompassing expenses such as supplies, medical care, food, and training equipment. To make this program accessible, 4 Paws for Ability fundraises to cover a portion of the cost, while families contribute a fee for service.

Q. How can I donate stock?
Donations of appreciated securities, usually common stock, provide a tax-efficient way of making your gift. For more information on gifts of appreciated securities, consult a tax advisor in your state or contact give@4pawsforability.org.

Once you have made a decision to donate securities, please have your broker contact KaLynn Clark with the number of shares, the company name, and your name so that we can accurately credit and track your donation.

Account brokerage: Charles Schwab
Account title: 4 Paws for Ability
DTC number: 0164 Account number: 16837601

Q. Can I make a planned gift to 4 Paws for Ability in my will?
Yes, the easiest way to make a planned gift to 4 Paws for Ability is to make a bequest within your will. If you already have a will in place, you simply need to speak to your lawyer to include 4 Paws for Ability. You can learn more about Legacy Giving with 4 Paws HERE.

Q. Does 4 Paws for Ability participate in the Combined Federal Campaign?
Yes, 4 Paws is on the list of charities for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This means all federal employees and retirees can make us their charity of choice for CFC giving. Our CFC number is 59894.

Q. Can I donate in memory or in honor of someone?
Yes, when making an online donation (Donate HERE) you will be asked if your gift is in memory or in honor of someone and you may choose to send them a notification of the donation. If you donate by check, include details of who the donation is in memory or in honor of, the recipient of the card (can be sent to family of the memorial, or directly to an honoree), and the mailing address.

Q. Can I sponsor a service dog in training or a litter of puppies?
Yes, if you are a monthly donor of $25 or more to 4 Paws for Ability, you will be sponsoring a service dog in training and receive monthly updates about your dog. You may also sponsor an entire litter of puppies and name each puppy. More information can be found HERE.

Q. How can I stay updated on the impact of my donation?
There are multiple ways to stay updated on the impact of your donation. You may email give@4pawsforability.org, attend a monthly graduation, follow 4 Paws for Ability on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter. If you sponsor a service dog in training or a service dog litter, you will receive monthly email updates.

Q. What donations are tax-deductible?
All donations to 4 Paws for Ability, except those that are made directly to a specific, named child’s fee for service for an assistance dog, are tax-deductible. This includes donations made supporting children and veterans (unnamed donations), our building fund, naming opportunities, administrative expenses, veterinary care, dog supplies, and undesignated donations. If you have any questions about if your donation will be tax-deductible, please contact us directly at give@4pawsforability.org .

Please note: Donations to a child’s fundraising campaign are non-refundable per IRS regulations.

Q. What supplies donation do you need?
Supplies of paper towels, Nylabones, Easy Walk harnesses, leashes, and martingale collars are always appreciated and can be dropped off at our facility, 207 Dayton Ave Xenia, OH. You may also donate supplies via our Amazon wish list.

Volunteer FAQs

Q. How can I become a volunteer?
The first step to become a volunteer is to complete our Volunteer Interest Form.

Q. What are the requirements to volunteer?
To volunteer at our facility, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, serve at least four hours a month for at least the next three months, volunteer between the daily hours of 8am and 8pm, and complete the three steps to become a volunteer; attend an orientation, complete online training, and go through an onsite training.

To foster a service dog in training, your home must be within three hours of the 4 Paws for Ability facility in Xenia, OH, be at least 18 years of age, complete an online training program and attend an in-person orientation at 4 Paws for Ability, comply with 4 Paws policies and procedures, provide a stable, safe environment for a puppy to live, and have a vehicle that can be used to travel to 4 Paws for Ability for scheduled and emergent requirements including dog supply pick up, veterinary appointments, and emergency medical needs.

Q. Are there opportunities for groups to volunteer?
Yes, Our Group Volunteer Program is designed for groups looking to help one time, for a few hours. This program is perfect for scouts, company volunteer days, college/high school service projects, or religious organizations looking to volunteer in their community. Group volunteer visits generally include a presentation about 4 Paws’ history and mission, a tour of the facility, and service projects around the facility. Email the volunteer office for more information.

Q. What are your biggest volunteer needs?
Our biggest volunteer needs are primary fosters for our service dogs in training. To participate, contact us at volunteer@4pawsforability.org

Q. Do you accept court ordered community service volunteers?
We do not offer programs for court ordered community service volunteers.

Q. What physical and cognitive capabilities are needed to be an onsite volunteer at 4 Paws?
–Stability and Balance: Ability to maintain a stable stance while managing the dog’s movements.
–Strength and Endurance: Some physical strength to lift at least 50 lbs, handle leash control, and endurance for walks or play sessions.
–Agility and Coordination: Skill in moving quickly to respond to the dog’s needs or sudden movements.
–Communication: Ability to communicate with team members in person, via phone/email, and fill out monthly digital forms.
–Comprehension: Ability to apply provided training procedures to ensure the dogs’ comfort and safety.

Q. What physical and cognitive capabilities are needed to be a volunteer trainer at 4 Paws?
–Stability and Balance: Ability to maintain a stable stance while managing the dog’s movements.
–Strength and Endurance: Some physical strength to lift at least 50lbs, handle leash control, and endurance for walks or play sessions.
–Agility and Coordination: Skill in moving quickly to respond to the dog’s needs or sudden movements.
–Communication: Ability to communicate with team members in person, via phone/email, and fill out monthly digital forms.
–Comprehension: Ability to apply provided training procedures to ensure the dogs’ comfort and safety.

Accommodations for all volunteer roles may be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Volunteer Department for additional information at volunteer@4pawsforability.org.