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Service Dog
Home - Service Dog
Service Dogs — Est. Partnership
Building Independence Through Partnership
A GOFI service dog is more than a highly trained dog—it is a working partner trained to perform specific tasks that help mitigate an individual’s disability.
Our program takes a hands-on, team-based approach. Recipients are actively involved in training so they can develop the skills, communication, and bond needed for a successful service dog partnership.
At a Glance
The GOFI Service Dog Program
To qualify as a service dog, both the dogs and their handlers must pass rigorous training, testing and titling. The dog must have three tasks that help the individual. In addition, it must pass tests through the American Kennel Club (AKC), starting with their Puppy STAR and progressing through Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and finally passing GOFI's own Public Access Test.
01
$28,000 Program Cost
An $8,000 deposit is required to begin the program, with the remaining $20,000 due by completion of training.
02
Hands-On
Training
Recipients actively participate in training with their service dog throughout the program.
03
Individualized Matching
Dogs may be available at different ages and stages of training. Matching is based on the needs, personality, lifestyle, and compatibility of both the recipient and dog.
04
Ongoing
Support
Our relationship with recipients continues after graduation with ongoing training and support throughout the dog’s working life.
Task Work
Is a GOFI Service Dog Right for You?
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks directly related to an individual’s disability. Depending on the recipient’s needs, GOFI service dogs may be trained to perform tasks such as retrieving items, opening or closing doors, deep pressure therapy, interrupting disability-related behaviors, creating space in crowded environments, responding to medical or psychiatric events, and other individually trained tasks.
A service dog is different from an emotional support or companion animal. The dog’s trained tasks must directly assist with the effects of the recipient’s disability.
What kind of disabilities does GOFI train for?
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Mobility assistance
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Psychiatric
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Diabetic
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Autism
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PTSD / Veteran.
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PTSD from Trauma.
If you do not see your disability on this list please inquire to contact@gofidog.org
Your Role in Training
You aren’t just receiving a service dog. You’re becoming a team.
One of the most important parts of GOFI’s program is recipient involvement. Rather than meeting your dog only after training is complete, you will participate in the training process. This helps you learn how your dog communicates, how to maintain their training, and how to work together successfully in everyday life.
Mon – Thu
Training days
9AM – 12PM
Session hours
Your required attendance and overall training timeline will depend on the age and training level of the dog you are matched with.
Compare Your Match
Puppy or Older Dog?
Your timeline depends on the age and training stage of the dog you’re matched with.
If Matched With a Puppy
Approximately two years
After discussing with Meaghan we are going to have training say 3 days a week until 6 months and 2 days a week for a year until 18 months and 1 day a week until complete with program.
If Matched With an Older Dog
A shorter road ahead
GOFI also works with older dogs that have already received extensive foundational training beginning at approximately eight weeks of age.
Being matched with an older dog may significantly shorten the amount of time remaining in the program.
Recipients must still participate in training so the dog’s specialized tasks can be developed and the team can learn to work successfully together.
Dog may be calmer when entering the home
Shorter time to accumulate program cost
Training schedules can be flexible and are determined based on the individual recipient, dog, and progress of the team.
At a Glance
Where Will My Dog Live During Training?
Not every recipient has the same circumstances, and the dog does not necessarily need to live with you full-time from the first day of training. GOFI offers several possible arrangements.
01
Living With You
Your dog may live with you while you participate in training and develop your partnership.
02
Living With a GOFI Puppy Raiser
The dog may continue living with an approved puppy raiser while you participate in scheduled training.
03
Hybrid Arrangement
The dog may divide time between you and a puppy raiser as you gradually develop your skills and partnership.
The appropriate arrangement is determined based on the recipient’s circumstances, the dog’s age and training needs, and what will best support a successful long-term partnership.
Program Cost
A Clear Financial Commitment
We believe applicants should understand the financial commitment of the program before beginning the application process.
Total Program Cost
$28,000
$8,000
Initial deposit
Required upon entering the program. This is non-refundable once the dog is placed.
$20,000
Remaining balance
Must be paid by the completion of training.
Recipients may use personal funds, fundraising, or other available funding sources toward their program balance. GOFI can provide fundraising guidance and resources to recipients who choose to fundraise, but GOFI reiterates that in the end it is the client’s responsibility.
The financial commitment is only one part of service dog ownership. Recipients should also be prepared for the ongoing costs associated with properly caring for their dog throughout its working life—this includes vet care, grooming, potential emergency visits, pet insurance, food, and other quality-of-life items.
Before You Apply
Safe, successful, and sustainable
GOFI wants every service dog placement to be safe, successful, and sustainable for both the recipient and the dog. Applicants should be prepared to participate regularly in training, provide an appropriate home environment, care for and manage a large dog, maintain the dog’s grooming and veterinary needs, practice training outside of scheduled sessions, and remain involved with GOFI throughout the partnership.
Additional household requirements apply regarding smoking, allergies, and other animals in the home. If another dog currently lives in your household, GOFI may require a behavior assessment before proceeding.
The Journey
What Happens After I Apply?
1. Pre-Qualification
Your required attendance and overall training timeline will depend on the age and training level of the dog you are matched with.
2. Full Application
Qualified applicants provide GOFI with additional information about their needs, desired service dog tasks, home environment, and support system.
3. Speak With Our Team
A member of GOFI will contact you to discuss the program, answer questions, and make sure you fully understand the training and financial commitments.
4. Meet Us and the Dogs
Applicants who appear to be a good fit will be invited to an in-person meeting
You'll have an opportunity to meet potential dogs, discuss your individual needs, evaluate compatibility, talk through living arrangements, and complete additional paperwork.
5. Matching & Program Enrollment
If GOFI and the applicant determine that the partnership is a good fit, a dog may be matched with the recipient and the program agreement completed.
The $8,000 deposit is required at the beginning of the program.
6. Train Together
You will begin working alongside GOFI's trainers to develop your dog's individualized tasks, public-access skills, and your ability to work together as a team.
7. Graduate as a Team
Before completing the program, the dog and handler must meet GOFI's training, task-work, behavior, and public-access standards
The remaining program balance must be satisfied by completion of training.
8. Continue With GOFI
Graduation isn't the end of our relationship.
GOFI provides ongoing training and support to help recipients maintain their dog's skills and address challenges as their partnership develops.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A partnership that can provide greater independence
A service dog is a significant commitment of time, training, care, and financial resources—but for the right individual, the partnership can provide greater independence and support in everyday life. Our first step is designed to help both you and GOFI determine whether our program is the right fit.
Question 1/4
Is your disability on our list of trainable disabilities?
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