PLEASE REVIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM. BY COMPLETING THIS FORM, YOU HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD OUR PRIVACY POLICY.
Important Notes:
- Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be processing any new applications until this Fall (2026).
- We are currently updating our application forms. While you are invited to submit an application now, please understand there may be additional questions for you or your references to answer when we resume reviewing applications in the Fall.
- Our current wait time is approximately two years, and significantly longer for hypoallergenic dogs. If you need a hypoallergenic dog, please contact us before beginning an application to discuss current wait times.
- Individuals applying for a PTSD/Mental Health Service Dog will be required to sign a consent form to authorize direct contact between K4Paws and their professional mental health provider. This consent form will be provided after an initial screening of the application is completed to ensure initial eligibility. A copy of the consent form can be requested in advance. Once signed, the applicant’s professional mental health provider will be asked to complete and submit a reference form directly to K4Paws to complete their application.
Do you think a K4Paws Service Dog might be right for you?
Applicants of all abilities, identities, and backgrounds are invited to apply.
To help ensure the success of each team, we have designed an intensive application process to assist with the placement and matching of each dog.
Applicants may be disqualified at any time during the application process if we determine that a Kingston 4 Paws Service Dog is not a good fit.
Instructions
1. Ensure you/the applicant meet our eligibility requirements:
- Live in our service area (Belleville/Kingston/Ottawa areas – see map for details).
- Meet the minimum age requirements for the type of dog you are applying for.
- Have an official diagnosis, and a strong/detailed letter of support from your professional health provider indicating why/how they believe a service dog might mitigate your/the applicant’s daily struggles including information on any past or present therapies you/the applicant may be engaged in.
Please ensure you meet all these requirements before applying. Application fees are non-refundable.
2. Before you begin this application, you will want to have on hand the following:
- The names and email addresses of your three non-family references (people who know you/ the applicant well, but are not members of your family, medical, or educational support team).
- Your/the applicant’s school or employer contact details (if appliable): including contact name, address, and phone number.
- Your veterinarian/veterinary clinic contact details (if applicable) including name, address, and phone number.
- Ensure you have sufficient time. The application form is several pages long and may take some time to complete. Some web browsers can save an incomplete application and allow you to return to complete it later, others do not. To be safe, we highly recommend that you allow sufficient time to complete the application in one visit.
The Process - What to Expect
After you submit the application, you will see a confirmation that it has been received and an email with a copy of your application will be sent to you.
You will then receive a link to the forms to send to your three references for them to fill out. The forms will be sent directly to K4Paws. You will receive confirmation from us each time a reference is received.
You will have up to three months to provide all necessary documentation.
Please note: Your application will not be considered until we have received all the following items:
- Completed on-line application form.
- Detailed letter from your doctor or medical specialist.
- Completed online references from three (3) non-family members (these references should not include individuals who are part of your healthcare team).
- $75 application fee.
Any applications not completed within 3 months will be automatically closed.
About the Process
Throughout this process, our Applications Coordinator is available to answer any questions.
Once your application package is complete (the application form and all documents received) it will be sent to the Application Review Committee for an initial review.
If the initial review finds that there appears to be a good fit between your needs and our dogs, an in-home interview will be scheduled to meet you, learn more about you, your household, your needs, and to discuss your questions and concerns.
Individuals applying for a mental health service dog will also be contacted to provide a signed consent form and their provider will be contacted to fill out a reference form to complete their application.
After the home visit, your full application will be sent to the Application Review Committee for a final decision. This process will take several weeks.
You will be notified of the final decision via email and, if approved, you will join our approved waitlist.
