Possibly. Many of our service dogs start out as pets, but all must pass a formal assessment first. We do not begin training with dogs over 4 years old. Temperament and size matter, as do the specific tasks the dog would need to perform. Just as important is the bond between you and your dog, as success is built on that connection.

Any dog starting the program should be 4 years old or younger. This is because of the time involved in training your dog, and the limited number of years before dogs age out of their jobs.

Before joining the program, both dog and handler need fundamental training.

Dogs being assessed for the program should be at or near the AKC CGC-level skill level.

Fortunately, we offer pet classes to help you get there together.

We proudly serve veterans, civilians, adults, and children.

Tasks include:

• Diabetic Alert

• Hearing Alert

• Physical & Mobility Assistance

• Psychiatric Assistance including PTSD and panic disorders

• Seizure Response

• POTS

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so if you have different needs please ask us.

At Ability Dogs, you train your dog under the close supervision of our instructors. While other service dog providers train and deliver dogs to people, our proven model helps you and your dog create a lasting bond, and ensures that you fully know one another’s needs. It also allows the added benefit of becoming part of a community.

1. Application

2. Dog Matching (Tucson only) OR Pet Assessment

3. Acceptance into Program

4. Training Program (12-18 months, on avg)

5. Certification

6. Recertification (every 1-3 years)

Experts do this for us. We take great care to ensure that everyone we serve qualifies for our services. Before starting the program, we require forms from medical and/or mental health professionals. We call each office to verify the forms are valid.

In Phoenix and Las Vegas, training is done in home or in public, about once per week. You’ll work out a convenient schedule with your instructor.

In Tucson, lessons are generally 4 times per month. Some will be at the training center and others in public settings around the area. Most teams take 12-18 months to complete the program. Close adherence to the schedule is necessary to reach certification.

At Ability Dogs, the true cost of training a Service Dog is heavily subsidized by donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

We operate on a Pay-As-You-Can model, ensuring that everyone has access to our services, regardless of financial circumstances. We will work with you to find a monthly rate that fits in your budget.

We ask that all teams contribute something to their training, even if it’s a small amount. This ensures that we have the funds to serve every qualified applicant as quickly as possible.

Here’s the breakdown in fees:

Initial Consultation - $30 (Tucson) and $50 (Phoenix and Las Vegas)
Monthly cost - $260 (Tucson) and $340 (Phoenix and Las Vegas).
Certification Test Fee - $250

Currently, applicants must live in the greater Tucson, Phoenix, or Las Vegas areas. Because of our program requirements, we cannot accept applicants who cannot commute to and from these cities once a week.

Absolutely. Certified teams (dog + human) are welcome to attend group classes in Tucson free of charge, so long as the class has space and you re-certify your dog regularly.

For those who can’t make it to Tucson, we’re always a phone call away if you have questions or concerns.

No reputable training organization certifies dogs they do not train. In our case we could lose our ADI accreditation.

We only offer certification tests for dogs who have been trained at Ability Dogs. If your dog performs tasks for you already and you join the program, it will take a minimum of 6 months, per ADI standards.