Application Process

The application process is as follows:

STAGE 1

  • Submit a written request to Helping Paws in order to receive an application for a service dog. In this request, briefly describe how a service dog would assist the applicant in activites of daily living. Mail the request to:          

              Application Department

              Helping Paws, Inc.

              PO Box 634

              Hopkins, MN 55343

  • Upon receiving the application packet, complete the application form and submit it along with the $50 fee.

  • Helping Paws will review the application and will schedule qualified applicants for a personal interview.

  • Helping Paws will check medical and personal references.

  • After staff review, we will notify the applicant Stage 1 of the application process is complete, and eligibility to advance to Stage 2 of the application process wil be confirmed or denied.

When declining an application for a service dog, the decision will be promptly communicated to the applicant without explanation or reason, unless the Director of Programs in his or her discretion determines that some explanation is appropriate. Under no circumstances shall the $50 application fee be refunded.

STAGE 2

  • In order to evaluate the applicant's ability to work with a service dog, we may ask the applicant to attend one or more training sessions with a Helping Paws demonstration dog or a "dog in training." Upon satisfactory completetion of these evaluation, the applicant becomes eligible for a Helping Paws service dog.

  • Applicant is placed on the waiting list for a service dog. 

  • In the matching process the applicant visits the Helping Paws training center to work with potential matches.

  • When we make a match, we notify the applicant of the date to start tream training.

  • Three-week Team Training begins and the applicant and service dog learn to work together as a team. A $300 equipment fee is required.

UPON GRADUATION

  • The graduate is responsible for working with the Helping Paws Graduate Follow-up staff on follow-up training.This training occurs in the home, work place, and public locations. We personalize the follow-up training based on a graduate's individual need.

  • Each graduate team is required to pass the Assistance Dog International (ADI) Public Access Test six months following placement.

THE WAITING PERIOD

Sometimes the waiting period for a Helping Paws service dog can be as long as three years, due to the length of time necessary to raise and train each dog. It's critical to find the right match for each applicant, and Helping Paws reserves the right to find this perfect match.

Previously approved applications may be removed from the waiting list if:

  • The applicant has been on the waiting list for more than 2 years and Helping Paws is unable to provide the right match.

  • Helping Paws is not able to provide routine follow up in the applicant’s geographic area.

  • Staff limitations cause us to reassess our ability to place a service dog with applicant.

  • During the application process, the applicant is not able to demonstrate that they can utilize a service dog.

Helping Paws will contact applicants in a prompt manner. Applicants may call the Director of Programs at 952-988-9359 extension 10 or email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.