How to Apply

The ADW General Assistance Dog Program

The ADW General Assistance Dog Program places trained assistance dogs with clients who have completed the ADW Program application process. It is specifically designed to assess and meet identified client needs. After a thorough application and interview/evaluation has been completed, accepted clients are placed on the waiting list for a dog. When a client/dog match has been made, clients participate in an intensive two-week training session with their dog, during which they are trained in service dog management skills.

A COMPLETED PROGRAM APPLICATION WILL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

Completed Program Application Form
Completed Pre-Interview Form
Medical History Form completed by your physician or primary care specialist
A letter of personal reference from a friend, co-worker, or someone other than a family member.
A professional letter of reference from a therapist, social worker, teacher, or other professional with whom you have contact.
A picture of you, your family/living environment and a short autobiography.
A Functional Evaluation with our occupational therapist Melissa Winkle at 505-228-4650 (in Albuquerque, NM).
An interview with ADW staff designed to help us understand your need, personality, and lifestyle in order to match you with the right dog.

The final step is the waiting list. Although the ADW waiting list is shorter than most service dog organizations, it still can run anywhere from one to two years for the right dog match. When a match is made, the client is scheduled for a two week client placement training in Santa Fe and the $3500 payment process begins. (ADW can help with research for government funding, grants, scholarships and other potential financial support.)