FAQs

Q & A

What kind of dogs does RI Train?

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and crosses of the two breeds, are the majority of the dogs we train.  

How old are the dogs when they are placed with a client?

Age can vary depending on the placement, but most of our dogs are approximately 1 ½ years of age at time of placement. 

How long is the application process?

The application process can take up to 3 months. 

How long is the wait list?

Wait time is presently 1 to 2 years. 

How much does it cost?

We charge up to $8,000 for our dogs.  Price depends on the type of assistance dog required by the client.  Also, the client is responsible for the costs involved in Team Training.

What tasks are RI dogs trained to do?

Service, Skilled Companion, Seizure Assist and Facility Dogs are trained in as many as 90 commands, including retrieving and delivering dropped items, tugging and pushing. Service Dogs can pull a lightweight manual wheelchair and turn lights on and off.

What tasks are RI dogs NOT trained to do?

We do not train guide dogs for the blind, bipolar disorder, emotional support or other mental illness.

Who is eligible to apply for a dog?

Children and adults with physical or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that an assistance dog will enhance their independence or their qualities of life are eligible to apply. Also eligible for a dog are professionals working for organizations that provide physical or mental health care to people with disabilities who will benefit from interaction with a facility dog.

How old do you need to be?

We do not provide dogs for children less than 5 years of age.  Dogs provided for children under the age of 18 and clients with highly restrictive disabilities will need to have a facilitator to assist that person with the care and training of the dog.    

Can I have other pets in the household?

Yes, we do place dogs in homes with other pet, such as cats, other dogs, bird, etc.

Do I need a fence yard?

Having a fenced yard is preferable, but is not absolutely necessary.

Can you train my dog?

No, we do not train dogs for private individuals.  We only train dogs that we breed at our facility.

What’s the difference between a Service Dog and an Assistance Dog?

A Service Dog helps people that have mobility impairments by doing such tasks as opening doors, pulling a wheelchair and retrieving dropped objects. They are one type of Assistance Dog. Some other types of Assistance Dogs are Hearing Dogs, Guide Dogs and Social/Therapy dogs.

Can you provide a speaker to make a presentation at our event?

Our PR and Community Relations staff members are happy to work with you to accommodate your requests. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Access Rights

Are business owners required to allow Assistance Dogs on planes, trains, in rental housing, hotels, shops restaurants etc.

Yes, in the United States, there are both federal and state laws that mandate access for people with disabilities when accompanied by Assistance Dogs. See Resources for more details.