Matching Program
If you are in the Tucson or Phoenix and don’t have a suitable dog of your own, Ability Dogs may be able to match you with a potential service dog puppy. We do this in a few different ways:
Option 1: Wait for our Foster Program to Raise and Train Your Dog
If you’re not able to foster a puppy, you can join the waitlist to be matched with a dog that is currently being raised and trained by a foster. This may take up to 6 months but you’ll receive a dog trained in the fundamentals. Once the dog is old enough you can adopt it and continue training before entering the program.
Option 2: Foster Your Future Own Service Dog
The fastest way to be matched is to foster a carefully selected 8-week-old puppy and raise it until it’s ready to begin formal training.
Weekly one-hour group classes at our training center
Ongoing support from our certified instructors
When the dog passes its service dog readiness assessment, you adopt it and formally enter the training program
This option is ideal for people eager to raise a puppy from a young age with guidance. It is also ideal for people who have epilepsy and want to train a dog for seizure response.
Important Notes
All service dog training program requirements and fees apply to each option. For all dogs, an additional purchase fee applies. Financial assistance may be available.
Having another dog at home is fine as long as they’re dog-friendly and don’t interfere with training.
For every applicant, there will be a home visit to ensure that your living situation is appropriate.
Matches are made based on your connection with the dog, your needs, when you apply, and the dog’s potential to succeed.
Application Process
Complete the Matching Program Application (above) and the financial aid form, if needed.
Submit the appropriate Medical Statement(s):
Physician Statement – for mobility, hearing, or diabetic alert, and other physical tasks
Mental Health Report – for psychiatric service dogs
Submit both if applicable.
Then send forms to:
Ability Dogs of Arizona
75 South Montego Drive
Tucson, AZ 85710
Or email to: contact@abilitydogsaz.org
We’ll contact you to schedule a consultation after reviewing your forms.