APPLY FOR A DOG
Whether you’re living with a physical disability or working with people who need therapeutic support, a COPE dog could change everything. Here’s how to begin.
Service Dog Applications —
Now Open
See below for more information
Facility Dog Applications —
Now Open
See below for more information
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Is a COPE dog right for you?
COPE specializes in training mobility service dogs and dogs for facilities. Before starting your application, please review what we do — and do not — offer, and confirm the eligibility requirements below.
Why a Service Dog?
A landmark study found that people with disabilities supported by service dogs scored significantly higher for psychological well-being, self-esteem, and community integration. The number of personal assistant hours required for daily care decreased by an average of 78%.
A COPE dog isn't just a companion — it's independence.
Not sure if an assistance dog is right for your situation? Visit understandingassistancedogs.com
✅ What we provide
- ✓ Mobility Service dogs for people with physical disabilities
- ✓ Facility dogs for teachers, counsellors, health & social care workers
- ✓ Dogs trained to open doors, turn on lights, retrieve items, assist with dressing and more
- ✓ Approximately 90 trained commands before placement
- ✓ Ongoing support and a formal Partner Agreement
❌ What we do not provide
- ✗ Guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired
- ✗ Hearing dogs for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
- ✗ Seizure alert or response dogs
- ✗ Diabetic alert dogs
- ✗ Autism assistance dogs
- ✗ Psychiatric service dogs (PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc.)
Geographic Eligibility: COPE serves applicants within a three-hour drive of our Barrie, Ontario office, and within Canada. We prioritize placements in Simcoe County and our operating areas. Please be aware that wait lists can be significant, and we occasionally close our waiting list due to high application volumes.
COPE Service Dogs does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, level of literacy, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability in our programming, services, staffing, or volunteer needs. A policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination is fundamental to our mission.
Choose Your Path
Which type of dog are you applying for?
COPE places two types of working dogs. Select the path that fits your situation — each has its own application process and fee structure.
Mobility Service Dog – Application Process
From first contact to team training camp, here is every step of the service dog application journey.
Request an Application
Email info@copedogs.org or call 705-734-2673 to request an application form. This request must come from the individual hoping to receive the dog — not from a family member, friend, or associate on their behalf.
Complete and Submit Your Application
COPE will send you an application package. Complete and return it along with a $100 non-refundable application fee.
Application Review & Pre-Interview Form
COPE will review your application and if proceeding will contact you and send a pre-interview form to complete. Priority is given to applicants within a 3-hour drive of Barrie, Ontario and within Canada.
In-Home Interview
A COPE team member will visit your home address during weekday office hours (9am–5pm). All household members must be present. We may also arrange an interview at your place of work. Return the completed pre-interview form with a $100 non-refundable interview fee plus mileage.
Acceptance and Waiting List
If approved you'll receive a formal acceptance letter and be placed on the waiting list for team training when a suitable dog becomes available.
🐾 This is a meaningful milestone — congratulations if you reach this step!Team Training Camp
When a suitable dog is available you'll be invited to the mandatory two-week Client Training Camp, held in early July. The Team Training Fee is $3,300 total — an $800 non-refundable deposit is due before camp and the remaining $2,500 non-refundable balance is due on the first Friday of training. Applicants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
⏱ Training camps typically run in early July — plan ahead once you receive your invitation.Service Dog Fee Structure
| Stage | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 | Non-refundable. Due with the completed application form. |
| Interview fee | $100 + mileage | Non-refundable. Due with the completed pre-interview form. |
| Team Training deposit | $800 | Non-refundable. Due prior to attending Team Training. |
| Team Training balance | $2,500 | Non-refundable. Due on the first Friday of Team Training. |
About the cost: The true cost to raise and train a COPE service dog over two years is approximately $30,000. We appreciate clients helping us raise funds toward that cost, but this is not required. COPE can connect applicants with financial need to organizations such as service clubs or crowdfunding resources to help cover these fees.
COPE Service Dogs retains ownership of the service dog, but may elect to transfer ownership after five years of successful placement, contingent on compliance with the Partner Agreement.
Facility Dog – Application Process
Placing a facility dog involves your organization, your handler, and your caretaker household. Here’s the full journey.
What is a Facility Dog?
A Facility Dog is a certified working dog paired with an employee — typically a teacher, counsellor, health care worker, social worker, or health professional — for the purpose of social interaction, therapeutic intervention, and canine-assisted education or care. The dog accompanies the handler at their workplace to augment their professional practice.
Please note that facility dogs have public access rights only at the place of work as permitted by the employer. Outside of work, the same public access rules that apply to pet dogs apply to the facility dog.
Express Your Interest
Email info@copedogs.org or call 1-705-734-COPE (2673), ext. 221 to let us know your organization is interested in hosting a facility dog.
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the Facility Dog Application and return it by email to info@copedogs.org or by mail to COPE Service Dogs, PO Box 20035, Barrie, ON L4M 6E9. It is recommended that the proposed handler submits the application. Confirm your organization's financial capacity to host a facility dog.
Telephone Interview
A COPE team member will speak with you about your organization's needs and interest. This generally takes place within 12 weeks of receiving your application.
Preliminary Waiting List
Based on the application and telephone interview, COPE will either place you on a preliminary waiting list for future consideration or advise that your application cannot proceed at this time.
In-Person Facility Visit
A COPE team member will visit your facility in person to discuss your interest, evaluate the dog's temperament requirements, and discuss costs. Depending on dog availability, this may occur any time between 12 weeks and 12 months after your initial application.
Home Visit of the Primary Caretaker
A COPE team member will visit the home of the person responsible for the dog's care outside of work hours. All household members and pets must be present to ensure the best fit for the facility dog and your family.
Selection Review
The COPE team reviews all information and determines whether to approve your organization, keep you on a waiting list, or decline. Selection is based on the greatest potential impact the dog could have. References may be requested. Dog availability plays a key role in timing.
Notification of Selection
A COPE representative will contact you with the outcome. If successful you'll receive a Facility Dog Agreement to review. You will sign the agreement upon successfully completing Team Training.
Team Training
You'll be invited to an 11-business-day team training course in Barrie, ON to learn how to work with your facility dog and to introduce your colleagues to their new team member. You are responsible for costs of transportation, accommodation, and meals during training.
Take Your Facility Dog Home
Welcome to the COPE family! Your facility dog begins their new role supporting the people in your care.
🐾 A new chapter begins — for you, your facility, and your dog.READY TO BEGIN?
Get in touch with our team
If you’ve read through the process and believe a COPE dog is the right fit, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out below to request your application or ask any questions before you start.