Veteran Inquiry Information

Please read the information below regarding the requirements to apply for a service dog.

Program Requirements

Please read about the requirements for applying for a service dog below.

At the bottom of the page, you will see a button to request the actual application

  • You must currently live in the state of Arizona or be willing to relocate for a minimum of six to nine months to complete training if accepted.

  • You must have a confirmed medical diagnosis for military service-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or combat-related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and can provide documentation of this.

  • If you currently own a dog between the ages of 1 and 3 years and you want to be evaluated for acceptance as your service/therapeutic companion dog, the dog must be spayed/neutered within 30 days of passing the evaluation to be accepted into the program.

  • If you currently have a dog younger than 1 year old, please do not submit your application until the dog is at least a year old and you are ready to have them spayed/neutered.

Dog Ownership Annual Amounts

SBF provides dogs at no cost to the veteran.  Through the duration of the veteran/dog team going through the program, SBF will cover all costs associated with the dog.  Once the team has graduated, ownership of the dog is transferred to the veteran and the veteran will then be responsible for the expenses of their dog.

The cost of owning a dog is estimated to be $1,500 to $9,900 per year. There are ways to save money depending on the choices you make. Contributing factors include your dog's size and age, the region you live in, your lifestyle, and your dog's individual needs.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC's) official website, lifetime costs are estimated as follows:

Small dog: $15,051 (average life expectancy of 15 years); $1,003 per year.

Medium dog: $15,782 (average life expectancy of 13 years); $1,214 per year

Large dog: $14,480 (average life expectancy of 10 years); $1,448 per year