Most Asked Questions
How much does it cost to receive a service dog through C.S.D.F
Absolutely nothing.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we provide fully trained service dogs to children with disabilities completely free of charge. We believe no family should have to choose between financial stability and a life-changing service dog for their child.
What types of service dogs do you train?
We train a variety of specialized service dogs to meet the unique needs of each child. This includes:
Blood Sugar Alert Dogs for children with Type 1 Diabetes
Mobility Assistance Dogs for physical disabilities
Autism Support Dogs for emotional regulation and safety
Seizure Response Dogs for children with epilepsy
PTSD & Anxiety Support Dogs for trauma and emotional needs
and many more depending on the condition. Contact us so we can help train a dog for you today!
What age range of children do you serve?
We typically serve children between the ages of 4 and 18, depending on their ability to interact with and benefit from a service dog. Every case is carefully evaluated to ensure a service dog is the right fit and will bring a meaningful improvement to the child’s daily life.
How long is the wait time to receive a service dog?
Wait times can vary depending on the type of service dog, the child's specific needs, and the availability of trained dogs. On average, families can expect a wait of 12 to 24 months after acceptance into the program. We always aim to match each child with the right dog — not just the next available one.
How do you match a child with the right dog?
We use a thorough Dog Matching & Evaluation process that considers the child’s medical needs, personality, activity level, home environment, and emotional needs. Once accepted into our program, our trainers begin the search for a dog whose temperament, skills, and strengths align perfectly with the child’s profile. It’s all about building the right bond from the start.
What kind of training do your dogs receive?
Each dog goes through a multi-phase training program that includes:
Basic obedience and public access skills
Specialized task training for medical or mobility support
Socialization and exposure to real-world environments
Family integration training, where the child and family are taught how to work as a team with their new service dog
Training is customized based on the child’s diagnosis and goals, and continues even after placement to ensure ongoing success.
Do you offer support after a dog is placed with a child?
Yes — we believe placement is just the beginning. After a dog is placed, we provide ongoing support including follow-up training sessions, behavior guidance, and access to our team for the lifetime of the partnership. We’re committed to being there every step of the way.
How can I help or support your mission?
There are several ways to support the Children’s Service Dog Foundation:
Donate to help cover training and care costs
Sponsor a dog and follow its journey to placement
Volunteer your time or skills
Spread the word through social media or community outreach
Offer in-kind donations like dog food, gear, or services
Your support directly impacts children and families who need these life-changing companions.
Call Us
If You Have Any Questions
(407) 917-5979
Email for a Consultation
Wondering if a service dog is right for your child?
We’re here to help. Fill out the form below to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team. We’ll learn more about your child’s needs, answer your questions, and walk you through the next steps.
Let’s explore how a service dog could make a difference.
