Thank you for your interest in applying for a New Horizons Service or Facility Dog!
New Horizons Service Dogs is unable to provide service dogs at this time for the following conditions:
- Low vision or individuals who are blind
- Individuals who are deaf.
- Individuals looking for a medical alert dog for diagnosis such as diabetes, seizures and severe allergies.
- Mental health diagnosis such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, etc.
- Children under the age of 5 years old
Before filling out an application, we ask that you read the following information and visit our FAQ’s page to ensure that you qualify as an applicant:
- New Horizons places Service Dogs to Florida Residents
- Please read the FAQ on the website and this information page in its entirety. https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/faq/
- You are responsible for all costs relating to the dog’s care once the dog is placed with you.
- To Receive a Service Dog, you are responsible for all costs related to a 2-week Team Training, in which you will come to the Central Florida area every day for 2 weeks under our guidance and instruction.
- You will be responsible for all costs associated with traveling (food, gas, lodging, etc.).
- The cost for the two-week training largely depends on where you are located and if you will require hotel accommodations. We do not provide housing. Team Training is located in Deland, FL (Volusia County).
- The hotel costs vary per time of year. Depending on your choice of hotel, prices can start ~$59/night +. We do work with local hotels to get their best deal and block out rooms depending on availability.
- As of January 1, 2020 there is a non-refundable $500.00 fee to reserve your spot for Team Training.
- This includes: supplies for the dog (such as a vest, first bag of food, leash, collar, bowl, or grooming supplies)
- This fee is due at the time you are notified of your eligibility for team training.
- We ask that you begin fund-raising as soon as you apply so that you can help New Horizons continue their mission to place Service Dogs to each recipient. The fundraising/donation to New Horizons is considered a pay-it-forward program for the next client in line to receive a dog. Fundraising does not affect your eligibility to receive a dog or the timeframe of your application process. Any donations given are to Pay-It-Forward to the next client in the organization, they are not to cover the applicant’s cost for a service dog, as the dogs are placed at no charge. We are a 501(c)(3) program that operates largely on private donations, fundraising and community support. The more you are involved, the more Veterans we are able to help. In addition, New Horizons is always grateful to accept volunteers in all facets of our organization.
The Process:
- The Service Dog Application sections above must all be completed and submitted.
- Your eligibility will be determined after all of the above paperwork is received. You will receive an email letting you know your application is complete and you have been placed on the waiting list.
Please keep in mind that our waiting period can take up to 1 ½-2 years.
All eligible applicants remain on file until we are able to place each and every service dog with the client they are best suited for, unless we are told otherwise by the applicant.
- Closer to time of placement, you will hear from us to request an in-person interview.
You will receive an Approval or Denial decision via email or phone call after your interview.
If your application is approved, you will hear from us to schedule Team Training.
Mobility Application:
- Info, Checklist, Process (this form)
- Application
- Physician Medical History & Consent Form *Applicant & Physician to complete
- Letter of Reference Template *Not from relative or current medical professional
- Follow Up Procedures Regarding Surrender
Additional requirements:
- Photo of applicant
- Proof of Income (W-2, pay stubs, social security statement or any document that proves your income for one month)
- $50 Application Fee (this can be paid by mailing a check, or by making a payment on our donation site at https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/online-donation/ *please note the name of the applicant when making a payment online
Veteran Application
- Veteran App Info, Check-List, Process
- Veteran PTSD Application
- Veteran Physician Medical History Consent form
- Veteran Mental Health & Medical History Consent Form
- Veteran Support Contact Information
- Veteran Reference Letter Template
- Veteran Follow Up Procedures Regarding Surrender
Additional requirements:
- DD214 Form
- Photo of yourself
- Proof of Income (W-2, pay stubs, social security statement or any document that proves your income for one month)
- $50 Application Fee (this can be paid by mailing a check, or by making a payment on our donation site at https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/online-donation/ *please note the name of the applicant when making a payment online
Civilian PTSD Application:
- Info, Checklist, Process (this form)
- Application
- Mental Health Medical History & Consent Form *Applicant & Mental Health Physician to complete
- Letter of Reference Template *Not from relative or current medical professional
- Follow Up Procedures Regarding Surrender
Additional requirements:
- Proof of Income (W-2, pay stubs, social security statement or any document that proves your income for one month)
- Photo of yourself
- $50 Application Fee (this can be paid by mailing a check, or by making a payment on our donation site at https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/online-donation/ *please note the name of the applicant when making a payment online
Autism Application: (Child age 5+)
- Info, Checklist, Process (this form)
- Application
- Physician Medical History & Consent Form *Applicant & Physician to complete
- Letter of Reference Template *Not from relative or current medical professional
- Follow Up Procedures Regarding Surrender
Additional requirements:
- Photo of applicant
- Proof of Income (W-2, pay stubs, social security statement or any document that proves your income for one month)
- $50 Application Fee (this can be paid by mailing a check, or by making a payment on our donation site at https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/online-donation/ *please note the name of the applicant when making a payment online
Facility or Therapy Dog Application:
- Info, Checklist, Process (this form)
- Application
- Letter of Reference Template *Not from relative or current medical professional
- Follow Up Procedures Regarding Surrender
Additional requirements:
- Photo of applicant
- Proof of Income (W-2, pay stubs, social security statement or any document that proves your income for one month)
- $50 Application Fee (this can be paid by mailing a check, calling our office to pay over the phone or by making a payment on our donation site at https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/online-donation/ *please note the name of the applicant when making a payment online
