News
We are so happy to announce the very FIRST team to pass our certification process since Blessings Unleashed became provisional members of Assistance Dogs International. Cindy & Jonathon Stephenson with assistance dog "Moe" were certified on October 16, 2009. The team scored excellent in every single category! A very big "Thank You" to our trainer Sandy Otto and the team of Jonathon, Cindy and Moe for the hard work and dedication that it took to prepare for the certification process! It was one of the proudest moments of my life to watch my dream become a reality!
The food, grooming and medical care costs of a service animal are tax deductions.
Autism Service Dogs
Autism service dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks to assist the individual with autism and accompany him or her in public. Our autism service dogs have passed their Puppy Aptitude Test, AKC Canine Good Citizenship Test, and Assistance Dogs International Inc. Public Access Test. They have undergone advanced individualized task training from experienced professionals.
Download our Service Dog Application Form (word format)
Download our Service Dog Application Form (pdf format)
Our Application Process
The demand for autism service dogs is high and availability is limited. The process for obtaining a dog from Blessings Unleashed Foundation is simple.
The first step is to submit an application along with a $25 non-refundable application fee. The application is available online (above) or by contacting BUF. After the references are checked and the application is approved, a phone interview will be conducted to determine if we are able to meet the needs of the individual and family and make sure the home would be an appropriate environment for placing a service dog.
The family will be paired with a fundraising coach who will guide them step by step through the fundraising and community awareness process. The fee for an autism service dog is $10,500. If the full amount is not raised, the family is given the option of paying the balance due or receiving an autism companion dog.
When the funds have been raised, a dog is selected and then placed with an advanced trainer to be trained for three specific tasks for the individual with autism. When the training is completed, the team will need to travel to Kentucky to work with the advanced trainer and the dog for a minimum of one week (6 days) and pass the Certification Test. Each service dog team must be recertified annually.