APPLY
THE FIRST STEP
APPLY FOR A MIDWEST BATTLE BUDDIES SERVICE DOG
START HERE
What you need to know
Please be sure to read and understand the following documents before applying.
Applicant Letter
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the Midwest Battle Buddies program. Midwest Battle Buddies is a non-profit organization that is completely funded by donations. This allows us to offer the dogs, training, and equipment to the veterans and their families free of charge. The only out of pocket expense the veteran will have is the transportation to and from training sessions, and the normal costs associated with care and feeding of a dog.
Battle Buddies was started to help the thousands of veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, MST and other conditions get back to being independent and improve their overall quality of life. It has been shown that 82% of those diagnosed with PTSD have symptom reduction after partnership with a service dog and another 40% reported a significant reduction in use of medications. The dog allows the handler the freedom to be able to go out and interact with the public in a positive light knowing that he/she has a constant companion that they can rely on to be there for their needs.
There are several steps in the process of placing a service dog. After the initial application is filled out and returned we will send the more extensive 2nd part of the interview that will include your Dr, Therapist and family. There will also be additional paperwork to determine your readiness for the program. If you're not quite ready that's ok, MBB has resources to get you ready for the journey to have a service dog. We do not turn anyone away, we point them in the right direction to achieve their goals. After your application is accepted Battle Buddies staff will conduct an interview and home inspection to determine whether you will be accepted into the program. In some instances, we may recommend further counseling before you may be considered for a service dog. The interview and home inspection are MANDATORY for all applicants. Following your completion of a recommended course of action, we will start the search for a dog we believe will fit your needs.
Our service dogs come from breeders who specialize in providing pups bred for service dog work and we can follow the genetics back at least 3 generations to be as sure as possible there are no conditions that will disqualify them from service work . In some cases, we can train a dog you already have. However, this requires additional testing, as not
all dogs are suited for service work. This is mandatory and at your own risk.
We have strict expectations for the care of ALL dogs in our program and the conduct of all Battle Buddies handlers. We also have expectations about your attendance at mandatory training sessions and organization events. Please read and complete the attached forms and return to us to start the process.
Thank you again for your interest in our program and please feel free to contact us at midwestbattlebuddies@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. We hope to work with you soon!
Sincerely,
Chip Neumann
President/ CEO
Midwest Battle Buddies Inc.
Code of Conduct
Midwest Battle Buddies Code of Conduct
• At all times you and your dog are to be clean and groomed.
• You will be expected to behave in a courteous manner when out with your dog.
• You will be expected to have your dog relieve itself before entering a building.
• When out in public, working at events and training you are to have poo bags and wipes with you at all times.
• Be aware of your anxiety level and that of your dog and excuse yourself if necessary
• The only people who are allowed to train are the Battle Buddies trainers. If you are not happy with something, consult a Battle Buddies trainer only.
• The only training methods that you are allowed to use are those discussed and approved by the Battle Buddies trainer.
• When training, stay in a close group and pay attention to the trainer.
• When your dog is in service vest it is your job to educate the public. There is no public interaction of any type permitted while the dog is in vest. Petting, feeding, etc. is NOT allowed.
• At all times in public and in unfamiliar surroundings your dog is to remain on leash.
• Your dog is to remain under control at all times when in public. Do not allow your dog to interact with other dogs, including non-service dogs, while in vest.
• Your dog is never to be tethered to an object. The dog is to remain with you at all times.
• Your dog is never to be crated for extended periods of time unless necessary for travel or as recommended by the veterinarian. Your dog is not to left alone in a yard for extended periods of time.
Standards and Expectations of Care of Midwest Battle Buddies Service Dogs
Midwest Battle Buddies (“MBB”) is committed to the highest quality training and care for our service dog teams. Our expectations for the care and appearance of our dogs is above the normal standard and is absolutely required.
MBB may at times assist to provide for veterinary care or supplies at a reduced cost or for free, but the ultimate responsibility for such care will remain with the veteran.
Requirements:
• You must have a valid client-patient relationship with a veterinarian. You will be required to have your veterinarian fill out the attached form to start the program and then again at one-year intervals including re certification. This is required of those who bring their own dogs into the program at the start of training, and those who have a dog supplied by MBB after placement.
• Annual check-ups with your veterinarian
• Current on vaccinations- including DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella
• Year-round heart worm prevention
• Service dog must be spayed or neutered
• Service dog must be microchipped
• Acceptable body condition score- at least 3/5 as rated by your veterinarian
• Adequate nutrition-feeding appropriately (can specify commercial dog food or balanced home prepared diet that has a veterinary approval)
• Providing shelter (dry, safe environment at home) with access to water at all times
• Year- round flea and tick preventative
• Canine Influenza and Leptospirosis vaccinations yearly
• Yearly fecal exams
• Yearly heart worm testing
• Regular toe nail trimming
• Regular bathing
• Maintaining proper dental health
• Preventative Gastropexy (stomach tacking) if the service dog is prone to bloat
NEXT STEPS
BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION
Click the button below to fill out your initial application.
HOW IT WORKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
While we acknowledge that there are all sorts of people that could benefit from a service dog, our program is only for U.S. veterans.
So yes, you must be a veteran or applying on a veteran's behalf to apply.
What happens after I submit my application?
We will review your application, and if you are approved to move forward in the process, we'll contact you with the next round of application paperwork.
Can I put a vest on my pet and call it a service animal?
Absolutely not. We provide specially trained service dogs. Service dogs are not Emotional Support Animals or Therapy Dogs. While these other types of animals can bring people comfort, they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs and are not task-trained to help someone with a disability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (28 CFR 36.104) defines the term "service animal" as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability."
Can my pet be trained to be my service dog?
In some cases, we can train a dog you already have. However, this requires additional testing,
as not all dogs are suited for service work.
Can a service dog go with me everywhere?
Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.
How long does training take?
Training generally takes two years. If we feel that the veteran would benefit from starting with a puppy, the veteran can start training as soon as we find a suitable pup. If the veteran would benefit more from a slightly older dog, AGS will train the puppy for the first year, and then Hands Full and the veteran will take over training.