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Child Client Application
This application is for both children under 18 and individuals who are older but not their own legal guardian. The majority of 4 Paws placements operate as a 3 unit team (parent/handler, child/partner and service dog), with the handler using the service dog as a tool to assist the partner. Please carefully fill out this application. Only fully completed applications with submitted health forms and reference letters will be processed. Upon receiving your application you will receive an email receipt with links for the additional needed forms!
Once all components of an application have been received, the application will be processed. Upon acceptance, the handler(s) is required to met their fee for service which goes toward the mission of 4 Paws. Most families meet the contribution requirement through fundraising. After you have reached your fee for service, you will be placed in a spot in the next open placement training class to receive your service dog. Currently these classes are full about 2 - 2.5 years out.
Child Information
Parent/Legal Guardian Information
Emergency Contact Information
Medical Information
Physician Information
If Applicable:
Service Dog Certification
Three Unit Team: Most 4 Paws placements are with children needing support, and 4 Paws has developed a three unit team (Parent/Handler, Child and Service Dog) to meet their needs. This is the case for all situations where a child may be affected cognitively, behaviorally or intellectually. The Parent/Handler must be present with the child in public and will be the one handling the service dog for the benefit of the partner.
Two Unit Team: To be the handler of the service dog, the individual must be capable of making 100% correct choices for themselves and the service dog to the same capacity of an adult. A two unit team certification is given when the child has fully shown complete ability to make correct choices in public for themselves and the service dog as displayed in the Placement Training Class. The youngest that this will typically be considered is 12 years old.
Please visit our website at www.4pawsforability.org to identify the right type of service dog you need.
4 Paws for Ability requires that families maintain a high level of care with their service dog. It is expected that your dog will be fully up to date on all medical care, provided a high quality diet, maintain a healthy weight and be properly groomed. To accomplish this expectation requires a family to be prepared for a cost around $1,500-2,000 each year.
Employment Information
Household Information
Pets & Veterinary Information (Past & Present)
4 Paws for Ability requires that all pet dogs within the home are: up to date on vaccines, receive monthly heartworm medication, friendly towards other dogs, inside dogs, and that the number of dogs in the home does not exceed three dogs by the time that the service dog would be placed in the home. Applicants understand that they are agreeing to not add any additional pet dogs to the home from now until at least one year after the service dog is placed to give the service dog time to adjust and bond appropriately.
Additional Information
4 Paws reserves the right to deny services to any applicant which doesn’t meet the criteria necessary for placement of a service dog or who requires services not trainable within the guidelines of the agency.
Contact info: jennifer@4pawsforability.org, (937)374-0385, or www.4pawsforability.org
Client Application Fee
If you have trouble with the payment section on the next page, please submit your application payment using the following link to ensure that your application is reviewed and sent to the next steps. Please ensure your child's name is entered as well as the same email address used on your application. Thank you!
https://www.4pawsforability.org/client-application-fee/