Apply for a Service Dog
Before You Apply
Putnam Service Dogs trains and places service dogs free of charge for people with specific needs. Before completing an application, please review the requirements below to make sure our program is the right fit.
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement with a service dog. Each match depends on the applicant’s needs, home environment, ability to care for the dog, and the connection between the dog and potential recipient.
Who We Train Service Dogs For
Our service dogs are trained for:
- People with physical disabilities other than blindness
- Mobility assistance needs
- Hearing alert needs
- Veterans with PTSD
Each dog is uniquely trained for their matched recipient. Depending on the person’s needs, a service dog may be trained to retrieve dropped items, fetch objects, open doors or drawers, assist with balance, alert to sounds, support movement through public spaces, or help create space in crowded environments.
Who We Are Not Able to Train Dogs For
Putnam Service Dogs does not train:
- Hypoallergenic service dogs
- Diabetic alert dogs
- Seizure alert dogs
- Psychiatric service dogs for non-veterans
- Emotional support dogs through this application
- A person’s existing pet dog
If you need one of these types of dogs, please contact Putnam Service Dogs at info@putnamservicedogs.org so we can recommend other resources.
Applicant Requirements
How Our Matching Process Works
Putnam Service Dogs trains carefully selected mixed-breed dogs from rescue groups. Each dog receives an average of 2,000 hours of training over approximately 2 years.
When a dog is ready to graduate, we consider potential matches based on:
- The applicant’s needs
- The applicant’s home situation
- The applicant’s ability to care for the dog
- The dog’s skills, temperament, and working style
- The connection between the dog and potential recipient
The dog is an important part of the decision. We look for a natural connection, including whether the dog happily walks with the person, matches their pace, checks in, and shows comfort with the potential recipient.
A strong service dog team is built on trust, connection, and consistent work together.
Puppy Raising Opportunity
Some applicants may be willing to spend time raising a puppy for Putnam Service Dogs.
This may help support the organization’s training pipeline and can potentially shorten the wait time for a service dog. Puppy raising is a meaningful commitment and includes daily care, structure, socialization, and foundational training.
If you are interested, you can learn more on Raising a Service Dog Puppy or contact us at info@putnamservicedogs.org.
Service Dog Application
Any misrepresentation(s) on the application will result in disqualification of the application.
By continuing with this application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the requirements above.
Currently NOT accepting Applications
Thank you for your interest in our Service Dog program. Due to an overwhelming increase in applications, we are temporarily pausing new submissions so we can focus on supporting the individuals already in our pipeline.
Our operations continue at full speed, and we remain committed to training and placing the types of service dogs we train – physical mobility, hearing alert, and PTSD dogs for Veterans. We’ll reassess the situation in 60 days and share any updates at that time.
Want to help us expand our impact?
Please consider donating, becoming a puppy raiser, or offering vacation relief. The more support we receive, the more dogs we can train—and the more lives we can change.