Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Adopt a Service Dog Dropout?

I am so sorry for your loss! Sixteen is a long life for a German Shepherd and it sounds like she was a very special dog. That is wonderful that you want to let another dog into your family and into your heart.

A “drop-out doggie” is a wonderful option. These dogs have had some training to become a service dog but did not meet the standards. They are not bad dogs and are usually very smart and well-behaved. However, they are often young with a lot of energy and require a lot of stimulation. Reasons they may not meet the standards to become a service dog can include a lack of a drive to work, too independent to follow directions, too submissive, or underlying orthopedic or medical issues.

If you want to adopt a failed service dog, it is best to reach out to organizations that do the training. Each group has their own process for how they choose homes for dogs that do not pass their organization’s requirements.  Be prepared that there may be a waiting list and the application process could be very involved. Some organizations may require references and a visit to your home.

There are many organizations that train service dogs and rehome dogs that didn’t pass training or are retired.

Some of the national groups include:

The Canine Adoption Program through TSA - https://www.tsa.gov/canine-adoption-program

Little Angel service dogs - https://littleangelsservicedogs.org/our-dogs/adopt-a-pet

Service Dogs Inc - https://www.servicedogs.org/adopt-a-pet

Guide Dogs for the Blind - https://www.guidedogs.com/about-guide-dogs-for-the-blind/dog-departments/career-change-dogs/dog-adoption

Your local police department or shelter may have some additional resources for you.

I wish you the best of luck finding your new four-legged family member. When you find him or her, have patience. Ana was your Little Princess, but try to remember that she wasn’t always perfect.

I sometimes see clients disappointed that their new dog isn’t as well behaved or fit in as well as the dog they just lost. I remind them that they had a lot of years with their previous pet to mold them into the perfect family member. Do not expect a new dog to fit in perfectly right away. Every dog is unique and special in their own way. With a lot of love and patience, you will have another doggy that fills your heart as much as Ana did.