Facility Dogs providing courage + comfort

Duo Dogs breeds, trains and places Facility Dogs with organizations who serve physically, psychologically or socially at-risk or vulnerable populations. Facility Dogs are placed with an organization and will work within that specific facility serving a wide range of people throughout their 8-year working career. They serve as much more than just a presence within the facility. They are a full-time member of the care team. Currently, Duo uses Labrador Retrievers because of their excellent disposition and willingness to perform the tasks necessary of a working dog.

A Duo Dog sits patiently on the floor

Eligibility requirements

Thank you for your interest in a Duo Facility Dog. Before proceeding with the inquiry process, please review Duo’s Eligibility Requirements and the Facility Dog FAQs.

Applicants must be able to care for and cover the cost of the dog’s basic daily needs, veterinary needs and extended needs including exercise and enrichment. A non-refundable $200 Application Fee is due at the time of application submission. ALL applicants are required to attend a one-week Team Training in St. Louis, MO and the facility or team is required to purchase the Facility Dog Equipment Kit. This kit contains approved equipment necessary to care for the Facility Dog. The cost is approximately $450. This fee may increase if specialized and/or additional equipment is needed.

Facility eligibility

The facility applicant organization must serve physically, psychologically or socially at-risk/vulnerable populations. The handlers must utilize the dog as an adjunct or complement to therapeutic interactions by licensed or certified workers that have been trained as handlers by Duo Dogs. Only Duo certified handlers are authorized to handle a Facility Dog. Each facility must maintain a minimum of two (2) certified handlers that will complete training through Duo Dogs.

Please note that Facility Dogs do not have public access and do not fall under the protection of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They are only authorized to work in the placed facility.

Duo Dog States Attorneys Office
Facility dog handler eligibility

ALL applicants must have the cognitive ability and working memory necessary to provide for a Facility Dog’s safety and well-being, coordinate care for the dog, learn and implement a complex sequence of commands paired with physical redirection. We require ALL applicants and those residing in their households aged 18+ to complete a background check.

Facility Dog, Team Coleman

Submitting an inquiry

To submit an inquiry for additional information and to see if your organization may be a good fit for a Facility Dog, please complete the form below. A Duo Dogs representative will review the inquiry and provide a response within 7 business days of receipt. If Duo’s program aligns with the inquirer’s goals, additional information about moving forward with an application will be provided. If there are any required questions that cannot be answered at this time, please indicate accordingly.

Request for assistance dog: facility
Facility Address
Facility Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Do you serve military Veterans?
Your Name
Your Name
First Name
Last Name
Are you, all members of the handling team, and anyone living in the handlers’ households over the age of 18 willing to submit a background check?
Have you received approval for a Facility Dog from your necessary stakeholders?
I acknowledge that:

Duo Dogs does not discriminate against or deny services to any qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, or clients based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, marital status, ethnic origin, veteran status, disability status or any other item as protected by federal or state law.

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