release dogs

Dogs are not placed in a first-come, first-served manner. Instead, ADW attempts to place the dog with most appropriate lifestyle match.

Policy

Any dog determined to be unsuitable for placement as a service dog or therapy dog will be released from Assistance Dogs of the West formal training and will be placed in an appropriate environment.

Donation

• Donations for release dogs are accepted.
• The donation is not a fee or sale price, but a request to defer to or reimburse ADW for medical expenses, training expenses, or any other expenses incurred by the dog or ADW.
• Reasonable expectation of donation fees range from $1,000 to $2,500 averaging $1,500 depending on the dog’s training experience, health status, and disposition.
• Donations are not always required to receive a release dog, dependent upon the specific dog situation/condition.

Procedure

• The ADW trainer staff will determine if a dog in training is unsuitable for placement as a service dog.
• ADW staff, board members, release dog waiting list, volunteers, and student trainers will be notified that a release dog is available.
• ADW maintains a database of those interested in receiving a release dog.
• The interested Parties have completed the Release Dog Questionnaire and sent it back to the ADW office for evaluation.
• Dogs are not placed in a first-come, first-served manner. Instead, ADW attempts to place the dog with most appropriate lifestyle match.
• If approved, the ADW staff will screen the applicant by telephone, conduct a home visit, and provide a weekend with the dog before the release is finalized.
• ADW staff can decide for any reason not to place the dog with an applicant.
• All release dogs will be spayed or neutered prior to release placement unless the new owner agrees to breed the release dog for ADW.
• The money agreed upon for the dog will be arranged with ADW Executive Director.
• A Release Dog Agreement and Transfer of Ownership agreement will be signed by the new owner and ADW.

If you are interested in an ADW RELEASE DOG, Contact the ADW office for a Release Dog Application or download the forms here.