Apply for a Service Dog

Public Access Service Dog, Home Service Dog, or Home Companion Dog

Please review the Eligibility Requirements below. If you are eligible to submit an application request, or if you have any questions in determining eligibility, please contact CHAMP. We suggest you also read What to Expect When You Apply and Assistance Dogs FAQs.

Eligibility Requirements – Service Dogs

• Applicants must have a physical disability other than loss of vision or loss of hearing.

• CHAMP does not place seizure alert or diabetic alert dogs.

• CHAMP will not place dogs for “tethering” or protection purposes.

• Applicants must live in the greater St. Louis, MO area (within 50 miles of our business office in Maryland Heights, Missouri).

• Recipients must be at least 18 years of age for a Public Access Service Dog. You may apply earlier.

• Recipients must be at least 5 years of age for a Home Service Dog or Home Companion Dog. You may apply earlier.

• Applicants must be willing to participate in placement training. Training sessions for all categories of dogs typically start in your home. If you are a Public Access Service Dog candidate, training sessions will also include community outings, and training at the locations you frequent, like your place of employment, your local grocery store and mall, etc.

• All service dog recipients are required to participate in follow-up contact, which may include phone calls, e-mails, completion of questionnaires, visits by CHAMP staff or volunteers, and additional training sessions, as needed, throughout the entire partnership.

• Applicants must have stability in their home life. Also, no new pets during the application process, and for at least one year after placement.

• Applicants must be able to physically, financially and emotionally meet the needs of their service dog. If other individuals will assist with the dog’s care, they must be dependable and available for training sessions.

• In almost all cases, CHAMP requires the home to have a physically fenced yard (not electronic fencing.) See FAQs for more information.

• Applicants must provide the dog with ample opportunity to perform the skills it has been trained to do.