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HOW
TO APPLY
APPLY FOR A SKILLED
COMPANION OR ASSISTANCE DOG
Please
note that GCI is currently only accepting new applications
for children and adults with physical disabilities. Applicants
must reside in Georgia or live in a nearby area (eastern Alabama,
southern Tennessee, southern North Carolina, western South
Carolina)
If
you reside outside of our service area, you may contact the
Delta
Society for referrals to other assistance dog organizations.
WHAT
ARE THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE A SKILLED COMPANION
OR SERVICE DOG?
1.
You must be able to attend a two week training camp in Acworth,
Ga. to receive proper instruction on how to care for and work
with your dog. You are responsible for travel expenses.
2. You must complete an intensive certification process, which
includes a written final, an oral exam, and multiple dog handling
tests.
3. You must demonstrate an ability to take care of your dog's
physical, mental, and emotional needs.
4. Following service dog placement, you must complete monthly
written evaluations on your dog's behavior and as needed,
participate in training lessons and evaluations given in your
home.
5. Each assistance dog team is re-tested every two years to
maintain public privileges.
HOW DO I APPLY?
1.
Complete and return a service dog eligibility questionnaire.
Click
here to download. A GCI staff member will contact
you (usually by e-mail) within 10 business days of receiving
your questionnaire.
2.
If eligible, you will be required to complete a full application,
which includes a letter explaining why you want a service
dog, a written autobiography, and a physician's recommendation.
3.
Selected applicants must complete an in-person interview at
the GCI training facility. A second interview may be conducted
in your home.
Most
applicants wait many years to receive a canine partner. Dogs
are matched with potential recipients based on many factors
including needs, personality, energy level, and lifestyle.
Finding the right dog for you, one that fits harmoniously
into your life, is critical to producing successful service
dog teams.
Each
service dog and the instruction (for the dog's lifetime) is
provided at no cost!
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