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Apply for the Canine Program

Get the support you need to live the life you deserve.

Throughout the 6- to 12-month journey, qualified veterans will connect with their canine companions. Our team selects dogs based on breed, height, weight, health, and temperament, then houses and trains them to aid our veterans.

Note: We do not train Service Dogs in the tasks that to aid someone who uses a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or walker; is substantially visually or hearing impaired; needs retrieval assistance; or has advanced mobility/medical issues.

Requirements for eligibility.
  1. Applicants must be 1.) a veteran or 2.) an active-duty service member pending retirement or separation from the military.
  2. Applicants must have a service-connected disability rating from the Veterans Administration (VA) for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
  3. Applicants must be able to provide a medical referral from a current clinician that shows proof of treatment for no less than six months. The veteran must commit to remaining in treatment for the duration of training.
  4. Applicants must identify at least three people who are part of a support system. Note: Peer support is available for those that express interest or identify a need.
  5. Applicants must clearly understand that this program does not guarantee service dog placement and/or certification. Successful program completion is dependent upon completing training and placement requirements.
  6. Applicants must have reliable transportation to Clear Path for Veterans National in Chittenango, New York, to train twice a week during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm).
  7. Applicants must have a desire for increased independence.
  8. Applicants must be open to learning new coping mechanisms to deal with anger/frustration.
  9. Applicants must be willing to support the dog’s physical and mental well-being.
  10. Applicants must be willing and able to implement modern canine training concepts from Clear Path’s Canine trainers and staff.

For those who meet the above requirements, please refrain from adopting a dog or additional house pets without first consulting a representative from the Clear Path Canine Program. Matching a dog with a prospective veteran and their home environment is taken very seriously as we want to ensure the best possible chance at a successful team.

Apply.

If you meet the requirements for eligibility and are interested in applying, please fill out your contact information in the form below to get the process started.

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