SERVICE DOGS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

Who is Smoky Mountain Service Dogs?

Smoky Mountain Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of acquiring, training, and placing certified service dogs with Disabled Veterans, Autistic children and others with physical and psychological disabilities.

What is the service area of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs?

It is imperative that our trainers be able to work extensively with the client/dog team throughout the training process. In addition, prior to service dog graduation, it will be necessary for the recipient to travel to the Knoxville area for a 7-10 day period for specialized training with the selected dog. Therefore, it will be the policy of SMSD to serve an area within six hours of Knoxville. SMSD Board of Directors reserves the right to override this policy where appropriate.

What is the law regarding service dogs access to public places?

Under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Tennessee law, all businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service dogs onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed. Additional charges for admitting the service dog to an establishment or fares for transportation cannot be required. Only religious facilities and residential facilities may refuse service dog entry.

What are the requirements for a service dog to be certified by ADI (Assistance Dogs International)?

The service dog must be trained to perform at least three tasks to mitigate the client's disability. The client must also be provided with enough training to be able to meet the ADI Minimum Standards for Assistance Dogs in Public. The client must be able to demonstrate:

• That their dog can perform at least three tasks.
• Knowledge of acceptable training techniques.
• An understanding of canine care and health.
• The ability to maintain training, problem solve, and continue to train/add new skills (as required) with their service dog.
• Knowledge of local access laws and appropriate public behavior.

What type of dogs does Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Use?

The majority of our dogs will be Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers and will come from reputable breeders. SMSD will, when appropriate, use rescue/shelter dogs. All dogs are selected by our Trainer/Consultants and must also be approved by our Veterinarian.

What is the value of a certified service dog?

Industry cost to select, raise, train, and certify a service dog is estimated to be $20,000 to $25,000. Producing a Smoky Mountain Service Dog requires approximately 1200 hours of training, supervised by our Trainers/Consultants. Volunteer puppy raisers, puppy socializers, and intermediate foster families also spend countless hours teaching our dogs basic obedience and proper canine etiquette.

What is the cost of a Smoky Mountain Service Dog?

With the exception of certain associated fees, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs will provide our qualified dogs to approved disabled Veterans for no charge. Should the Veteran and his support team want to raise funds through a fundraiser or make personal donations, it will be greatly appreciated but no approved disabled Veteran will be refused a dog due to lack of funds. For non- Veterans, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs asks that the recipient of one of our qualified dogs raise $12,500 in donations.

What is the Process and Pricing Policy if we Decide to Acquire a Smoky Mountain Service Dog?

Acquisition of a Smoky Mountain Service Dog is a six-step process.

Step One - fill out the Preliminary Application Form on our web site and submit.

Step Two - if the Preliminary Application Form is approved by SMSD, you will receive a more detailed Screening Application. The completed Screening Application must be returned to SMSD along with a non-refundable $50 deposit. When a Contract Agreement is signed, the $50 will be applied to the cost of the service dog.

Step Three - The Medical Consultation Team will thoroughly review the Screening Application and determine if a SMSD dog is appropriate.

Step Four - If the client is recommended by the Medical Consultation Team, then the Client and SMSD will enter into a Contract Agreement (includes price agreement).

Step Five - Dog/Client Match

Step Six - Dog/Client Partner Training - Graduation and Placement

It will be the policy of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs to price our canine companions at a level that will be fair and reasonable, while allowing us to sustain and grow our business. It is only through the successful growth of our business that we can increase the number of physically and psychologically disabled clients to be served. We will diligently strive to minimize the financial burden to our clients by putting forth our best efforts during our fund raising activities. To the degree possible, we will also work with client families in their personal fund raising plans.

Total cost to acquire, care for, train, and place a service dog is estimated to be in the $20,000 to $23,000 range. This estimate includes the nearly 1200 hours of training required for our trainers to supervise and personally train our dogs and the recipient.

The agreed upon price between Smoky Mountain Service Dogs and the client shall be contained in our Contract/Agreement. Twenty-five (25) percent of the agreed upon price shall be due upon signing of the contract between the parties. Another twenty-five (25) percent shall be due at which time the canine partner is matched with the recipient. Another twenty-five (25) percent shall be due when the canine/recipient team begins training. The remaining twenty-five (25) percent of the agreed upon price shall be due at the conclusion of dog/client training and prior to the time that the dog is officially delivered to the client at graduation.

If it costs $20,000 to $25,000 to train and qualify a service dog, how can SMSD provide a dog for $12,500?

Smoky Mountain Service Dogs is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff positions other than our professional trainers. We also have no facility cost since our dogs are raised in foster homes. Our prices are also supplemented by our fund raising activities.

What are the estimated costs associated with owning a service dog?

Initial costs: $100-$500 (food/water bowls, grooming supplies, dog bed, toys). Yearly expenses: $600-$1,600 (vaccines, food, heartworm/flea preventative, grooming, treats, leashes, etc.).

Who trains Smoky Mountain Service Dogs?

Dog selection and training are the responsibility of Heather and Darrell Wilkerson. Although all Smoky Mountain Service Dogs are housed in foster homes, the training supervision is out of Savannah Springs Kennels in Lenoir City, TN., approximately 45 minutes south of Knoxville. For more information on our Trainers/Consultants please see our About Us section.

How is Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Funded?

SMSD is an all-volunteer organization (with the exception of our trainers) and is funded by private contributions from individuals, groups, and corporations. We also seek grants from corporations and foundations. We also conduct several fund raising events annually.

Can you train my pet dog to be a service dog?

We do not train dogs outside of the SMSD program.

How old are your dogs when matched with their partner?

Our dogs will be placed at approximately two years of age. This may change somewhat depending on the amount of specialized training necessary for the dog/partner team.

Does SMSD train guide dogs for the blind?

SMSD does not train dogs for the following :

• Guide the blind.
• Detect seizures.
• Detect diabetic crisis.
• Detect medical symptoms.
• Provide supervision, navigation, or safety from environmental hazards.
• Respond aggressively or provide personal protection.

Who can apply for a Smoky Mountain Service Dog?

Any Disabled American Veteran with an Honorable Discharge, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other individuals with physical and psychological disabilities.

All applicants must be approved by our Medical Consultation Team. All applicants must be able to demonstrate that a service dog will enhance their quality of life and independence.

I am a Disabled Veteran, why should I work with my Veterans Affairs specialist as I apply?

You may qualify for benefits related to service dog training and care that are available only to Veterans enrolled through the Department of Veterans Affairs. By applying through your rehabilitation specialist, you ensure that you will receive all applicable benefits.

How do I apply for a Smoky Mountain Service Dog?

Please go to the Application Process section of our website and click on START HERE.

How long will I have to wait for a service dog?

It is our goal to match the right dog with the specific needs of each recipient. For that reason, our Medical Consultation Team reviews each recipient application and your wait time will depend on us having a dog that can best suit your specific needs. Another determining factor will be the amount of specialized training required to meet your needs.