The Exceptional Sidekick is proud to train psychiatric service dogs, to empower disabled teens and young adults, enabling them to pursue education and live independently with confidence.
Service Dog Application
A Psychiatric Service Dog is specifically trained to assist their handler with a disability as defined by the ADA, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, ​or​ bipolar disorder. Each dog is individually trained to work and perform tasks that mitigate their handler’s disability.

Eligibility Requirements

To meet our minimum qualifications for one of our program trained psychiatric service dogs, you must be:
  • in therapy for a minimum of one year and believe a service dog could drastically improve your life
  • between the ages of 12-26
  • able to travel to Newtown, CT for training classes, for up to one year
  • dedicated to meet all the physical, emotional, and training needs of the dog, including:
    1) daily feeding, grooming, play, exercise, and relieving (bathroom) breaks. 
    2) annual veterinary examinations and vet care as needed for unexpected health issues.
    3) able to identify a local support network that can provide care for the dog in the event that you are unable to.
community service dogs at the zoo

Part of your overall treatment plan

  • A service dog is an essential part of a larger health plan for individuals with disabilities, including your medical and/or mental health providers.
  • Studies have found that psychiatric service dogs can reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression at a similar rate to treatment with medication (source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8330800/)
  • First of its kind study shows dog-assisted interventions can reduce stress levels in school children with effects lasting over the school term. Dog Assisted Intervention Study

Task Training

We believe that every young person deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life and our service dogs can make that happen.  Psychiatric service dog tasks vary to mitigate specific disability needs.  Below are some examples.
Deep Pressure Therapy
Prevent or recover from panic attacks
Tactile Stimulation
Licking or pawing can ground the handler in extreme distress
Space Management
Creates space in crowded public areas
Interruption of Self-Harming
Licking, pawing, or barking
Light Guide Work and Mobility
Helps with disassociating during panic attacks and when disoriented

Application Timeline

  • As a small non-profit with a high volume of applications, we strive to respond promptly, placing our dogs with the best-matched individuals for successful partnerships.
  • The wait for a fully trained psychiatric service dog varies, and while we open our waitlist regularly, it takes up to two years for a puppy’s training completion.
  • If you have an urgent need, we recommend contacting multiple Assistance Dogs International-accredited organizations and encourage thorough research and seeking references to ensure a reliable and supportive service dog partnership.
  • Although we would love your support, public relations activities and fundraising efforts, beyond your contracted cost for one of our dogs, are not requirements of our program.
  • We recognize that circumstances change. Applicants may withdraw from the application process at any point for any reason.

Cost

Each service dog costs our organization about $47,000 to raise, train & place. With donor support, we are able to set our client fee at $30,000. Additional financial assistance through grants or other funding may be available in some cases, but is not guaranteed. The cost of our program reflects the extensive training, care, and support that go into maintaining their health and well-being for the first two years of their life. 

Services Included in Your Program

  • Group Public Access classes with our certified training staff
  • Private lessons as needed
  • Phone & text support
  • Access to our training resources

  • Branded Service Dog vest
  • Annual Public Access testing and recertification with our organization
  • Advocacy support in cases of discrimination
  • Lifetime access to our online community of our service dog handlers, puppy raisers, training, and medical support staff.
The Exceptional Sidekick does not train seizure-alert dogs, guide dogs for the blind,
or dogs needed for guarding, protection, or perceived threats.