Applications
It's not difficult to apply for a CARES
canine assistant, but there is a process, which we follow.
STEP
1: Contact the CARES offices either
by phone, fax, e-mail or letter. We will discuss the individual
situation and determine what type of dog is needed. An application
and cover letter will be sent to the applicant for completion.
STEP 2: Return the completed application, the
required medical documentation, along with a $25.00 administration
fee to the CARES offices. A file is then opened
in the applicant's name and he / she is placed on our active waiting
list for a dog. A letter acknowledging the receipt of the completed
application is sent to the applicant.
STEP 3: A member of the CARES
staff will contact the applicant to set up an interview when the
waiting period is complete and the CARES staff
has a canine in training for the individual. In certain cases,
a video of the applicant will suffice. The interview process is
mandatory and integral to the placement of a dog with an individual.
STEP 4: Once the interview process is complete,
the CARES canine assistance staff finishes working
on the perfect match. Once the training is complete, the applicant
is contacted to schedule him / her for a class.
STEP
5: Students are required to attend a one or two week
training class in Concordia, Kansas in order to prepare to pass
the Public Access Test and skills training to become a certified
assistance team handler. Training classes are geared toward providing
the student with the necessary skills and information to pass
the Public Access Test and become a more independent person.
STEP 6: Once class is over, CARES
doesn't forget about its teams. We do our best to do a follow
up within six months.
FORMS (pdf)
Adoption Application for CARES Career Change Dogs
Application for Assistance Dog
Application for a Professional Therapy Dog
CARES, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Not-For-Profit
Organization
