The Application Process

WAGS 4 Kids spends on average $35,000 per dog we train...per year! Much of this cost is funded through our efforts of special events, special partners, seeking grants, and generous donors. We ask that our recipients help "pay it forward" through a minimum financial commitment of $9,000 so our program can continue placing assistance dogs for years to come. We do not expect that most recipients will be able to write a check for this amount so many will choose to fundraise. We will remain available to guide them through the process of fundraising. We are happy to raise any additional funds needed to reach the total of $35,000, but for any recipient that can remain involved in the fundraising process, wait times may be reduced.

Current wait time is at 30 months from the date of execution of the WAGS 4 Kids Fundraising Agreement pending fulfillment of fundraising goal and handler training.

WAGS 4 Kids spends on average $35,000 per dog we train. Much of this cost is funded through our efforts of special events, special partners, seeking grants, and generous donors. We ask that our recipients help "pay it forward" through a minimum financial commitment of $9,000 so our program can continue placing assistance dogs for years to come. We do not expect that most recipients will be able to write a check for this amount so many will choose to fundraise. Each family will be provided a peer fundraising page with a custom link to share via email, social media, QR code, holiday cards, birthday cards, party invitations, etc.

Our Executive Director will work directly with any recipient interested in fundraising coaching, meeting through Zoom calls to find their best route for success and to give step-by-step instruction on how to pursue various avenues. These funds can be raised in many different ways such as sending letters to friends and family, setting smaller monthly goals, reaching out via social media, or holding local events. We will find a unique route specific to each individual recipient. Due to WAGS 4 Kids’ nonprofit status as a 501c3 with the IRS, donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Many recipients reach their fundraising goal in a matter of months while others may choose to take a route that lasts over a period of up to 2 years. A good number of recipients choose to continue fundraising past their minimum commitment, and we do see this may reduce wait times, but it is not guaranteed and is never a requirement

WAGS 4 Kids is still the only organization in the state of Ohio that works exclusively with minors up to and through the age of 18-years old. And with current waiting time at 30 months - there's no such thing as "too early" to start. Considering that there must be a formal diagnosis to begin, we have begun the process as young as 3-years-old. The recipient must be 18-years-old or under upon execution of the agreement

There are certain situations where service dogs can attend school with a child. If the child cannot safely be in command and control of their dog on their own, there is no legal advocacy for the dog to attend. However, some schools will voluntarily allow the dog to attend school when a staff member volunteers to handle the dog between classes.

We have amazing relationships with a group of breeders that allow our staff "pick of the litter" to conduct behavior testing in order to hand-pick puppies early in life that are best suited for the work that they are destined for. This provides us a proven line of health-tested dogs. Each puppy then enters training at 8 weeks old.

Breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Poodle Mixes. Families suffering from allergies will most frequently be matched with poodles or poodle mixes. Dogs cost on average $2,000 each and that is before any medications + medical care, supplies + licenses, travel expenses, training, grooming, or food.

WAGS 4 Kids consistently has 20 - 25 dogs in training at all times working towards graduation, matching and placement with a family. WAGS 4 Kids does not accept for training any outside animals, nor does offering your own dog for training in any way "lower the cost". Hand picking our dogs is ground zero in how we make sure you get exactly what you need. In many ways "your dog" is already in training before you find us.

While our dogs are highly trained, they are not robots. Our recipients and handlers receive very detailed instruction including our Step By Step Training Academy Textbook, access to our Parent Portal with additional "how to" resources, and hands-on private training on how to properly reinforce the training their dog has received. Our dogs respond to commands, but they are not responsible. They cannot be relied on to protect or guide individuals away from harm. They care for their recipients, but they are not caregivers. It is the handler’s responsibility to care for the dog, and in return the dog will perform tasks to assist the recipient. Our dogs are trained for each individual’s needs. We train dogs to assist with autism, mental health including PTSD, extreme anxiety disorders, borderline and bipolar disorders, and mobility for those with or without a wheelchair. Some of these tasks include retrieving items, opening/closing doors, turning on/off lights, retrieving phones, bracing for balance while walking/transferring/getting up off the floor, providing non-protective boundary control, going around corners in advance of the recipient, tether training for autism assistance, and providing deep pressure therapy. We do not train dogs to do seizure or diabetes alert, work for or guide the blind, or to alert to food allergies.

We will place our service dogs in homes with other pets on a case-by-case basis. We consider the species, personalities and traits of each individual animal for the safety of all involved. Our dogs are regularly trained around other dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and sometimes even horses.

All initial requests are reviewed on an individual basis by qualified staff to determine whether the recipient's request for service can be met and falls under ADA, that the recipient's address falls within our service area, and that the recipient will be 18-years-old or under upon execution of the agreement. Pending this initial qualification and upon reciept of a formal application - staff will further work to determine the recipient will not be hindered by the dog, the dog will be properly cared for, and that the dog will be able to assist the recipient appropriately. All applicants are considered regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or creed.

Any sensitive information provided will be kept confidential and only shared with WAGS 4 Kids staff who require the information to review your application and/or train and place a service dog. Publication of name, likeness and/or sensitive information will not be disclosed without express permission as per the agreement or further granted by the applicant and/or recipient.