Eligibility Requirements

Every CHAMP Assistance Dog placement is thoughtfully matched to ensure the best possible partnership for both the individual and the dog. Our eligibility requirements help determine readiness, support needs, and the ability to successfully work with and care for an Assistance Dog.

• Applicants must have a physical disability other than loss of vision or loss of hearing.
• Applicants must live in the greater St. Louis, MO area (within 50 miles of our business office in Maryland Heights, Missouri).
• Recipients must be at least 18 years of age for a Public Access Service Dog. You may apply earlier.
• Recipients must be at least 5 years of age for a Home Service Dog or Family Placement Dog. You may apply earlier.
• Applicants must be willing to participate in placement training. Training sessions for all categories of dogs typically start in your home. If you are a Public Access Service Dog candidate, training sessions will also include community outings and training at the locations you frequent, like your place of employment, your local grocery store and mall, etc.
• All service dog recipients are required to participate in follow-up contact, which may include phone calls, e-mails, completion of questionnaires, visits by CHAMP staff or volunteers, and additional training sessions, as needed, throughout the entire partnership.
• Applicants must have stability in their home life. Also, no new pets during the application process, and for at least one year after placement.
• Applicants must be able to physically, financially, and emotionally meet the needs of their service dog. If other individuals will assist with the dog’s care, they must be dependable and available for training sessions.
• In almost all cases, CHAMP requires the home to have a physically fenced yard (not electronic fencing). See FAQs for more information.
• Applicants must provide the dog with ample opportunity to perform the skills it has been trained to do.

CHAMP does not place seizure alert or diabetic alert dogs.

CHAMP will not place dogs for “tethering” or protection purposes.