Service Dogs

Popular Questions About Service and Emotional Support Dogs at The Dog Alliance

Got a question? We’re here to help. 


  • Are you accredited by Assistance Dogs International?

    Yes, the Dog Alliance achieved full member status in 2021.  We are one of less than 150 organizations WORLDWIDE that have achieved this level of accreditation. 


    When you work with us, you know you will have a well-trained service dog. 


    As a full member of ADI, our service dogs are eligible to fly nationally and internationally.  

  • What is a service dog?

     A dog that has been trained to perform at least three tasks that mitigate an individuals disability.  To read more, visit the Department of Justice website regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

  • Will my dog need to learn tasks?

    Yes.  Service dogs must be able to perform at least three tasks that mitigate your disability.  By the end of this program, your dog will know more than three tasks and over 30 cues.  You will have a very well-trained dog that is unobtrusive in public and trained to assist you.  


    You will also have the knowledge of how to train your dog to do additional tasks and cues.  

  • Who can participate?

    Civilians, first responders, and veterans are eligible.  Fees may apply. 

     Children 13 - 15 must be accompanied by a parent. The program is not available for handlers younger than 13.  The handler must be able to control the dog in public.  


    An application, including a form signed by a doctor, psychologist, or master level social worker stating that you have a disability and will benefit from a public access service dog must be provided prior to taking public access level courses.  Everyone is welcome to get started with basic manners classes.  


    Dogs can be trained to assist with mental health and mobility disabilities. We can also teach you how to train a hearing alert dog, but we do not have sign language interpreters on staff.  You will need to provide your own interpreter.  


    We are not qualified to train dogs for allergy, peanut alert, loss of smell, seizure, or diabetes alerting.  We are also not qualified to train guide dogs for those with vision impairments.  


    You must be healthy enough to attend events outside your home with our trainers. 

  • How long does it take?

    The time to train your dog will depend on many factors.  If you start with a puppy, weekly training classes and or private lessons are included for 18 - 22 months.  If you start with an adult dog, the minimum training period before certification is 6 months.  Support is provided for the service life of the dog.  


    If your dog has already received some training, the minimum time before taking the public access test is 6 months.  Please note, we can NOT recertify or test any dog that we have not worked with for at least 6 months.  This is a rule of Assistance Dogs International.  

  • I live an hour away, can I participate?

    First responders and veterans who are receiving a fully trained dog from us are eligible if they reside full-time in Texas.  You will be responsible for any travel-related costs. You do not need to live close to our Cedar Park location. 


    For first responders and veterans interested in participating in the Train Your Own Service Dog model at no cost to you; you must live within an hour's drive of our Cedar Park location and be committed to meeting with us at our location on a weekly basis for 18 months.  


    For civilians who have a fully trained dog, but need to be certified by an ADI-accredited organization, we can work with you via online conferencing and a limited number of visits to our Cedar Park location.  Please enroll in the seminar to learn more. 

  • Should I start with a puppy or adult dog?

    There are many factors in determining if a puppy or dog is a good fit for this program.  Please attend our Introductory workshop or schedule a private lesson to discuss further.  

  • Is this program for emotional support dogs?

    According to current laws, emotional support dogs do not need to be trained and are not allowed public access.  For example, emotional support dogs are not allowed in the grocery store.  Service dogs for mental health disabilities are allowed in public spaces per the Americans with Disabilities Act. 


    However, we believe strongly that a well-trained dog is very beneficial for emotional/mental health.  We encourage everyone to enroll in our pet-level courses. 

  • How much does it cost?

    The cost to train your own service dog is dependent on multiple factors, including:

    • age of dog
    • temperament of dog
    • your ability to learn advanced dog training techniques
    • the amount of time you spend training each day
    • your consistency in expecting a service dog level of manners in all situations
    • the dog's history 
    • the type of tasks you wish the dog to perform for you

    Our program includes online and in-person classes, outings, in-person multi-day workshops, private lessons, assistance in selecting and testing a dog, and support after you pass the task and public access test.  The goal is to meet with you weekly for 18 - 20 months.  Many participants meet with one of our professional service dog instructors twice a week.  If your dog is dismissed from the program within 6 months, you can restart another dog at no additional cost.   The program is customized for you and your dog. An application is required.  As an Assistance Dogs International fully accreditated member, we adhere to high industry standards.  


    Scholarships are available for Texas veterans and first responders who qualify.  


    Civilians are welcome to join our program which includes support and training for the service life of the dog.  We have a package available for $10,000 for in-person training and testing for the service life of the dog.  This package reflects a discount.  


    To determine the best approach for you, please attend the Service Dog seminar and meet with our program counselors.  


    Crowdfunding support is available.  We have a very limited number of scholarships or discounts for civilians.  We wish we could offer this program for free for all that need it, but we don't have enough donations to cover this.  

  • Can you waive my fee?

    This program has been designed to be as cost-effective as possible.   Due to the extremely high number of requests and limited funding, discounts, and scholarships are very limited for civilians or veterans who do not have service-related disabilities.   Trust us, if we had the funding, we would joyously welcome more participants for free or for reduced fees.  


    We are happy to assist you in setting up a tax-deductible crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds needed for you and your dog's training.  

  • Can I do this program online only?

    Due to the nature of the training, this program can not be done 100% online.   

  • Do you allow the use of pinch collars?

    No.  All our training is based on positive reinforcement and building a trusting bond between you and your dog who will be by your side 24/7.  We utilize a variety of pain-free training harnesses during the early stages of training.  

  • Can I train a dog for my child who has autism?

    We require the handler of the dog to be at least 13 years old and able to be in-control of the dog when in public.  A parent can train a dog for a child, but the child must be able to handle the service dog in public settings.  


    We have excellant family dog training classes for families who want thier dog to be well mannered and a positive aspect of their child's life.  

  • Can I adopt a dog that is already trained?

    The Dog Alliance's Hounds for Heroes program trains dogs for veterans and first responders disabled during service.  These dogs are only available for Texas veterans and first responders who have service-related disabilities and are extremely limited in supply.  Each dog is trained for 18 - 22 months before being matched with their disabled partner.  


    The current wait time is up to 18 months to 3 years.  

  • Can I take my emotional support dog to the grocery store?

    An emotional support dog is an animal that provides comfort just by being with a person.  Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.


    Dogs that have been trained to do tasks to reduce mental or physical disabilities can qualify to be service dogs.  Just providing comfort is not enough.  

  • Do you provide the puppy?

    We have a limited number of puppies available.  Future litters are planned.  To join the waitlist, please attend the Service Dog Seminar and complete an application to join our puppy waitlist.  



  • I'm a veteran or responder, is the program free?

    For Texas veterans and responders who were disabled in the line of duty, scholarships up to 100% are available when funds are available.  


    To donate, so that we may serve more veterans and responders, click here.  

  • How do I learn more?

    We host an Introductory Seminar about service, emotional support, and therapy dogs.  Your registration fee includes a private consultation with our senior training staff member after you attend the seminar.  


    Click here to transfer to the seminar registration page.  

  • What else should I consider?

    Selecting a dog partner is an important decision.  For PTSD service dogs, we do not recommend German Shepherds or Malinois.  Here is an excellent article that explains why.  

As of March 14, 2024 we have 13 program trained dogs in some stage of their Hounds for Heroes service dog training journey. Panini, Ava, Margie, Cora, Stich, Dora, Mater, Fauna, Mocha, Turbo, Katniss, Nikky and a new Yellow Labrador ranging in ages from 30 months to 7 weeks.  We currently have approximately 25 clients who are training their own service dog. 


Hounds for Heroes dogs-in-training are in the good hands of our puppy raisers. The dogs live with their families maximizing social interactions. Training is done under direct supervision by our professional CPDT-KA certified trainers who are also Assistance Dogs International service dog trainers. 


“Assistance dogs improve the lives of countless thousands of veterans around the world by helping with practical tasks, enhancing independence, and boosting wellbeing, dignity and confidence,” said Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director of Assistance Dogs International (ADI).  “These studies indicate that properly trained assistance dogs are both life-saving and life-changing for veterans suffering from PTSD. They are proof that assistance dogs have a major role to play in the treatment, rehabilitation and support of military veterans with severe combat trauma.

Press Release by ADI About Service Dog Research

Everyone can support these puppies and young dogs as they learn new skills daily! Your gift of $5.00 or more is valued and appreciated!


Individuals, families, and businesses interested in service dog sponsorship are invited to learn more by visiting the section found below "Popular Questions" on this page!


Follow the training journey of our service dogs - including their weekly Public Access Outings - on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

Donate Today

After reading the details above, if you feel our program is a good fit for you, please enroll in the 90 minute live online seminar. 

After the seminar, you will be sent a link to set up a private consultation with our team. 

Due to a generous gift from Netspend, disabled veterans and responders will receive a 60% discount on the seminar fee at the time of checkout. 



Enroll in Service Dog Program Seminar to Meet with our Team to Discuss Your Needs

Hounds for Heroes Sponsors

With Gratitude and Special Thanks to Our Sponsors 


Based on our history of successful placements, Hounds for Heroes is a highly favorable investment

of charitable giving and corporate philanthropy layered with unique marketing opportunities.

Interested in Sponsoring our Service Dogs?

Sponsorships start at $500 (individuals and families) and $1,000 (businesses and foundations). We offer a wide range of "thank you" benefits for our sponsors.


We welcome the opportunity to speak with you to see how service dog sponsorship could be just right for you personally, your family, or your business.


Ready to make a sponsorship gift? Use our secure online donation link or contact us for invoicing or ACH transfer information. Mail a check payable to Dog Alliance, 1321 W. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park, TX 78613. Our EIN #20-4797768. Donations are tax-deductible.

Let's Start a Conversation! Individual and Family Benefits Business Benefits Ready to Sponsor!

Dog Smiles for Our Awesome Sponsors! $15,000+

  • Paws Up for Our Awesome Sponsors! $5,000 to $14,999

    Tail Wags for Our Awesome Sponsors! $1,000 - $4,999


    BOND BETWEEN MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR SERVICE DOGS UNUSUALLY STRONG

    “This study brings attention to the importance of everyday interactions that occur between military veterans and their service dogs.   Particularly, the finding that veterans using higher levels of positive reinforcement felt closer to their dogs reiterates the value of connections that form as veterans are involved in training their service dogs.”


     - Megan LaFollette, M.S., Ph. D. Candidate in Animal Science, at Purdue University


    Read more about how PTSD service dogs help veterans.

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