OSI-PTSD Service Dogs

We train clients and dogs as one unified team, creating a powerful bond based on trust and mutual service.

Our professional Service Dog Instructors work with the teams using a reward-based core skills program that helps our clients reintegrate into their communities and reengage with their lives.

Upon graduation, they qualify as a fully certified OSI-PTSD Service Dog Team under Assistance Dogs International and the Guide and Service Dog Acts of British Columbia and Alberta. Graduated teams receive ongoing aftercare for the working life of their Service Dog at no charge to the handler.

Our applicants must have an occupational stress injury caused by their performance of their work as a Veteran or First Responder. Provincial legislation requires that a Service Dog handler must have an official diagnosis of disability from the DSM-5-TR or the ICD-11.

• Applicant must be a First Responder or Veteran
• Applicant has an Operational Stress Injury caused by their service
• Applicant has a registered MH provider they have seen at least twice and are able to see up to once per week during the training program
• Applicant must be clean and sober for at least 12 months
• Applicant must have at least 2 support people in their community who can help support them and a Service Dog
• Applicant must have distress tolerance skills
• Applicant must be able to meet the needs of a Service Dog

 For more information, please see the Aanderson Prescriber Guidelines (PDF) 

Step 1

If they do meet the basic criteria, you can request an application Package by clicking here:  Hyperlink to inquiry

• Our application includes

1. Application Form
2. Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
3. Proof of Service
4. Aanderson Prescriber Guidelines Referral Form
5. Summary of Care from Registered Mental Health Provider
6. Support Persons Contact Form

* Access to services must be free from discrimination of any kind, including race or colour, gender or sexual preference, nationality, age, marital or social status, religious, or political beliefs, or disability.

Once a completed application package is submitted  

1. Applicants are notified that we have received their applications within 5 business days of receipt.
2. Applications are reviewed by our Mental Health and Client Services team regularly.
3. Once applications are reviewed and accepted a representative sends the applicant an invitation to either a Zoom or in-person info session for further program clarification. If the application is denied, clients will be contacted by phone or email within 30 days of receipt of application.

Application submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Step 2

Once a handlers application package is accepted, an information session is arranged.

Step 3 Home Visit

To complete the application process, BC & Alberta Guide Dogs representatives will come to your home and meet with all the members of your household to review the program and assess your home for suitability for an OSI-PTSD Service Dog.

Step 4

Once all the prior steps have been successfully completed, accepted applicants will be notified and placed in the queue. Accepted applicants placed in the queue are invited to attend dog experiences until a Service Dog match has been made.

We are currently accepting applications from injured Veterans, RCMP, & First Responders.

At this time, we are not accepting personal dogs into the program.

All accepted applicants will be provided a dog by BC & Alberta Guide Dogs that was purpose-bred, raised, and trained for service work.