Thank you for your interest in JLAD (The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs.) When we receive this signed document, we will send you the complete application for a Facility dog. Our mission:
Provide skilled, devoted companions to support and assist persons living with disabilities- creating cohesive teams focused on building a life of greater freedom and independence.
JLAD conducts its business and acceptance process in a manner that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, genetic information, military assistance, or other protected status.
Applicant Criteria:
1. The applicant must be at least 21 years of age to apply for this program.
2. The owner must be able to perform all training requirements.
3. The task(s) to be trained must be directly related to the facility’s needs.
4. JLAD will not train any tasks that arouse a dog’s prey drive, or fear, to elicit a display of aggression for defense purposes.
5. JLAD will determine acceptance of applicant based on the task-based needs of the applicant and the dog’s potential to meet the facility’s specific needs.
6. Applicants must be willing and able to provide for the dog’s physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Program Requirements:
All our dogs are trained in basic obedience cues, house manners, and how to behave in public. Our dogs are also trained in technical skills such as: retrieving, opening doors, turning lights on and off, balance assistance, bracing, social interactions, and PTSD. JLAD may at any time, including after certification, determine to discharge/decertify the dog because of temperament, health, or behavioral or training issues. In regards to the training:
1. The dog must meet all standards set forth by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) to be certified as a facility dog.
2. If for any reason a client is found to mistreat the dog, JLAD reserves the right to revoke all association with said client.
3. JLAD will perform monthly follow-ups for the first six months following program completion and certification.
4. Identification of the dog as a facility dog will accomplished with a electronic ID card with a photo and names of the dog and owner. Whenever the dog is working in the facility the dog must wear a scarf that is clean and easy to read which identifies the dog as a facility dog.
5. The dog must be friendly with public interaction
6. The owner must be able to demonstrate:
a. That the dog can perform a task directly related to the facility’s needs
b. That the owner has knowledge of acceptable training techniques
c. That the owner has understanding of canine care and health
d. That the owner has the ability to maintain training, problem solve, and continue to train/add new skills (as required) with their facility dog
e. That the owner has knowledge of federal, state, and local access laws, and appropriate behavior
7. The dog and owner must meet recertification requirements:
a. a bi-yearly onsite evaluation by a JLAD representative. Failure to successfully meet the requirements will result in the dog not being re-certified as a facility dog.
b. bi-yearly passing of the Public Access Test (PAT)
Once a dog that JLAD deems a suitable match becomes available, you will be notified. We will provide you more information about the dog and when Team Training will be held. It costs between $30,000-$35,000 to raise and train a dog. We however charge $9500 for one of our Facility Dogs. Prices are subject to change. Payment arrangements must be made upon acceptance of the application and must be paid in full before the beginning of Team Training. If an applicant decides to withdraw their application at any time prior to Team Training, JLAD will retain $1500.00 of the money collected and reimburse the balance. If the applicant, through no fault of JLAD, fails to complete team training, the dog remains the property of JLAD, and the $7500 will be retained by JLAD. You MUST attend a Team Training before JLAD will allow you to take your Facility dog home. Team Training varies depending on the program and will be explained further during the first visit.
Program Cost:
1. Non-refundable Application Fee: $155.00
2. JLAD facility dog cost: $9500.00. The price for a dog is subject to change.
No applicant, client, or graduate is required to participate in fundraising for JLAD, or be involved in public relations activities without their expressed and voluntary permission.
The application process must be completed within three months of submitting this form. Any incomplete applications will be deleted from our system at that time, and the application process will need to be restarted.
The cost of a dog will be established upon acceptance into the program. Once a dog is paid for in full, should the client decline a dog when a dog is ready, JLAD reserves the right to update the price of the dog to the latest price increase.
If you have further questions, please contact us at: 503-551-4572 or info@joydogs.org.