Skilled Home Companion Dogs

Hero Dogs places SHC dogs with veterans and first-responders or their immediate dependent family members (spouse/partner, parent, or child) residing at the same address. To qualify you must:

• have served in any branch of the uniformed services in any era, or have served as a first-responder,
• have received an honorable discharge (or equivalent for first-responders) – other types of discharge may be considered on a case-by-case basis,
• live within 50 miles or approximately one hour’s travel time of Hero Dogs (zip code 20833 – click here to see our service area) for at least six months following placement of a SHC dog,
• have a documented disability or medical condition (you or your qualified family member) – does not need to be service connected,
• be able to provide financial support for the dog, and
• be willing and able to commit to the training schedule (see below).

Dogs for family members of active duty or reserve members may be considered based on deployment status. If the dog is for a minor child, the dog will be placed with the qualified parent, and the parent and child will be expected to complete the training program together.

Yes. If you apply for and are selected to receive a SHC dog, you will be required to complete the following training requirements:

• One week of training (approximately 35 hours, M-F, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.), conducted on-site at Hero Dogs. Our cabin is available for overnight accommodations if needed for this initial training.
  • All household/family members will be required to participate in one day of this initial training (although family members are encouraged to participate in as much of the training as possible).
• Monthly follow-up sessions (approximately 3-4 hours per session), conducted on-site at Hero Dogs or sometimes in the home or a pet-friendly public location, for the next 6 months.
• Successful completion by the handler of a written or oral examination covering knowledge of basic training principles, dog behavior, and dog care.
• Successful completion by the team of a practical test of skills and good manners in the home and at a pet-friendly location such as a park or pet store.

Please click here to fill out an application for a SHC dog. There is no fee to qualified applicants for the placement or training of a SHC dog; however, recipients are responsible for all expenses after the dog has been taken home (food, supplies, veterinary care). Dogs will be sent home with an initial set of supplies at a cost to the recipient of approximately $800.

We continually evaluate all of the dogs in our program with the goal of placing each dog in the most suitable job and home. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be kept on file. If a dog becomes available and we feel that you may be a potential match, we will contact you for an interview. Click here to fill out an application for a Skilled Home Companion dog.