Applications & Getting Started

Your Journey Starts Here

Taking the first step toward a service dog partnership can feel overwhelming. Our application process is designed to help us understand your needs, determine the most appropriate program or pathway, and make sure we can provide the right support for a successful partnership.

Fall 2026 Application Window

Applications for all Sunrise Service Dogs programs will be open September 2–10, 2026.

During this application window, individuals may apply for our available programs and pathways, including the Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway, Puppy-to-Partner Pathway, and other available service dog partnership opportunities.

The next application window is scheduled to open December 1, 2026.

  • Submit your application during an open application window. A $200 application fee is required to cover the time involved in evaluating and processing your application.

  • Applicants will complete a background check that includes identity verification and a review of criminal history. This is not a credit check and will not affect your credit report.

    The purpose of the background check is to help ensure the safety and well-being of our dogs and to identify any history that may prevent an individual from safely participating in the program.

  • Your medical provider will complete a verification letter recommending a service dog and identifying the specific areas where a service dog may provide benefit or assistance.

  • If you are applying through the Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway, you will schedule an evaluation with the Sunrise Service Dogs team to determine whether your dog is a suitable candidate for service dog training.

    We consider factors such as your dog's age, health, temperament, behavior, trainability, and current skill level.

  • Once the required information has been received and reviewed, we will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your needs, review your personalized training plan, and help determine which Sunrise Service Dogs program or pathway is the best fit for your goals.

    Our goal is to make sure every applicant understands the process, expectations, and commitment involved before beginning their service dog journey

What to Expect During the Application Process

  • Shortly after you decide to join the Sunrise Service Dogs team, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule a Fundraising Coaching Call with our team. During this call, we’ll walk you through the fundraising opportunities available and help you create a plan that works for you.

    Many people are excited to support someone they know who is pursuing a service dog partnership. Your “Circle of Love”—friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and others in your community—can become an important part of your journey.

    We’ll provide tools and resources to help you share your story, including:

    • A personalized fundraising page and donation link

    • Social media templates and ideas

    • Letter and email templates

    • Phone and text message scripts

    • Guidance on sharing your story and asking for support

    • Ideas for additional fundraising opportunities

    You don’t have to figure it out on your own. We’ll be there to help you confidently share your journey and invite your community to be part of it.

  • Yes. Through our Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway, eligible participants may work with their own dog as they progress through the Sunrise Service Dogs training program.

    Dogs entering this pathway must meet our eligibility requirements and successfully complete an evaluation. We consider factors such as age, health, temperament, behavior, trainability, and current skill level when determining whether a dog is a suitable candidate for service dog work.

    Applicants will complete the required application process, including:

    • Medical verification or doctor's referral

    • Background check

    • Additional required documentation

    • Dog evaluation

    Once accepted, the team will be placed into the appropriate training phase based on the dog's current abilities and readiness. Approved entry points may include Phase 2, Phase 3, or Phase 4.

    Throughout the program, participants train alongside their dogs with guidance from Sunrise Service Dogs trainers. Teams must demonstrate the required skills and meet the expectations of each phase before progressing.

    This pathway is designed to meet each team where they are while providing the structure, coaching, and support needed to build a confident and capable service dog partnership.

  • Sunrise Service Dogs does not sell trained service dogs in the traditional sense. Our mission is to create successful service dog partnerships through our structured Partnership Pathways.

    For a limited number of individuals, opportunities may be available to partner with a dog that has received significant professional service dog training through our Public Access Ready Service Dog Program.

    We may also occasionally have puppies or dogs available outside of our Partnership Pathways. These opportunities are limited, are not guaranteed, and depend on individual dog availability and program needs.

    When available, these dogs or puppies may involve a program investment and/or fundraising commitment that helps support the continued work and mission of Sunrise Service Dogs.

    If you are interested in a current or future opportunity, we encourage you to complete an application during an open application window.

Frequently Asked Questions