Happy Trails Animal Rescue service dog program is currently accepting applications, the application deadline is August 30th, 2025. This program helps to provide independence and quality of life for residents with disabilities within our community through the training and utilization of their furry friends. Service dogs are task trained to assist and/or alert for a specific diagnosed condition. This program provides specialized training for handlers who currently have an eligible rescue dog and meet the requirements for both dog and human. Current program is funded thanks to a grant from the Rex V. Stephens and Dulcize Stephens Fund through the Central Florida Foundation. For more information on seeing if a service dog through our program may be right for you please fill out the online application below.
Service Dog Program FAQs
What does the service dog program cost?
Our service dog program is free to qualified applicants thanks to a grant from the Rex V. Stephens and Dulcize Stephens Fund through the Central Florida Foundation.
What are the requirements for the program?
Applicants must:
– Reside in Orange or Seminole counties in Florida
– Have a verifiable disability that aligns with the scope of our training program
– Have a dog between the ages of 1 and 3 years of age that was adopted from a shelter or rescue (dog must be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines and have a temperament suitable for service dog work)
– Be 18 years of age or older
– Have a stable living situation
– Be capable of providing care for a dog
What types of disabilities do you train dogs to assist with?
We are currently accepting applicants for dogs for medical alert (seizure alert, diabetic alert, etc), mobility assistance (help with falling, standing up, retrieving items, etc) and hearing impairment. We do not currently provide seeing eye dogs/dogs that aide with vision impairment.
Do you provide ESA (Emotional Support Animal) training?
ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) are not service animals and do not required training or qualify for public access the way a service animal does. If you have a doctor’s letter for an ESA that is not the same as a service animal. Please visit https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/ for more information about the difference between ESAs and Service Animals.
What can be expected from the training?
Dogs participating in our program can expect 6 to 9 months of training which will require weekly participation from the owner/handler and dog. This training will cover basic obedience, Canine Good Citizen and public access training and testing as well as task training for specific jobs related to the individual disability that is determined by your medical needs. Every dog will not receive the same task training and each dog will have an individual training plan at the start of their participation in the program.