selection process

WE LISTEN TO THE SHELTER! 

As the core caretakers of these dogs, the shelter and its staff know the most about them! We first ask the shelter manager / advisor for recommendations for dogs and/or puppies they see the greatest potential in. After considering the recommendations, we will conduct a screening process with the dog. During this process we will be extremely gentle, patient, and aware of the dog and its limitations. 

This screening includes:

• Handling the dog (including touching paws, ears, belly, etc.)

• Walking the dog on leash (seeing walking speed, pulling)

• SAFELY Testing reactivity (how does the dog respond to other dogs? People? Children? Outdoor stimulants?)

• Personality (Is the dog friendly? Is it open to training? Eager to please? Want to learn and help?)

potential service dog Qualifications

• Friendly and does not show aggression to people or other animals

• Eager to learn and work

• 2 years of age or younger

• Preferably spayed or neutered (fixed)

• Any breed

• Any size (healthy weight)

• Overall healthy dog (no allergies, no sicknesses, etc.)

• Up to date on all vaccines and vet appointmets 

If the dog matches and works well with our trainer and our checklist, we will inquire about the dog with the intention of taking them into training. 

We prefer to participate in a "Foster To Adopt" program when taking a dog into Active After Adversity, meaning we foster the potential adoptee for about 2 weeks before deciding if we want to adopt them into our program. This is done to see how the dog is outside of the shelter to get a better idea of the dogs likes, dislikes, needs, as well as personality. We understand some shelters do not offer this program, but we encourage them to allow us 1-2 weeks of fostering before we make a final decision. We believe that service dog work should be fun and interesting for our Actives! We want to ensure that dog enjoys the journey of a service dog before fully adopting them into our program for their welfare and overall quality of life!