Take the first step to receiving an ICAN service dog.
There is a lot of work to be done, and together, we'll help you find stability, independence, and encouragement.
Phase I
Step 1
Choose an assistance type.
We train our dogs to perform 60 to 80 cues to help people with disabilities feel safe and independent at home and on the go. Depending on your condition and needs, one type of dog might be better for you than another.
Step 2
Download, complete, and submit an application.
Download an application, complete and return (along with your non-refundable fee of $75) to:
ICAN
Attention: Director of Client Success
5100 Charles Court, Suite 100
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phase 2
Step 3
Complete an interview.
Once your application for a service dog is complete, we will contact you to either come to the office for an interview or schedule an in-home interview. These meetings will help us determine if we can give you a dog that meets your needs — and if you can provide a safe, healthy home for him or her.
Step 4
Hold a practice session.
After we’ve approved your application, we’ll start working on finding a dog to fit your needs. If we think we may have a match for you, we’ll either arrange a home visit or invite you to our office for a practice session.
During this practice session, you’ll get to learn what working with a service dog will be like. We’ll help you run through cues, practice keeping the dog safe while outside, and more.
Step 5
Receive your approval.
If we think you’re a good fit for an ICAN service dog, we’ll put you on our waitlist! As soon as we’ve approved your application, we’ll start working to find a dog to fit your needs.
Please note: The wait time from application to being matched with a service dog can be one to three years.
Phase 3
Step 6
Meet your service dog.
Once we’ve found the best dog for you, we’ll ask you to attend two weeks of Team Training, where you and your new partner will learn to work together. Your teachers will include our staff and carefully selected inmate handlers at Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis.
Please note: We require complete payment of the one-time $2,500 placement fee by the first day of Team Training. We also highly recommend that you get pet insurance for your service dog.
Step 7
Attend an ICAN graduation.
Once you complete Team Training, you’ll participate in ICAN Graduation. This celebration is where handlers and clients come together one last time before you get to take your service dog to their forever home.
During the ceremony, your dog’s handler will introduce you and place the official service dog vest on your new friend, then hand the dog over to you.
Step 8
Bring your service dog home.
We’ll have regular follow-ups for several months after you bring your dog home. And our team is dedicated to supporting you even after you bring an ICAN dog home. We’ll have regular check-ins for the life of our partnership (8-10 years) at no additional cost. This will ensure that you and your service dog continue to be a safe, effective team together.
Apply for an ICAN Service Dog
Our team is dedicated to supporting you throughout your entire journey.
Get started on your life-changing application today!
If you believe that you qualify for a service dog, please download, complete, and submit the corresponding application.
