Application Process

Every client has a unique situation and brings a different set of strengths, skills, challenges, and opportunities to a potential partnership. We ask our applicants to commit to 120 hours of training time and the logistics related to partnering with a service dog. Believet™’s pledge is to ensure access to every resource needed for success in our program.

To apply, complete the following actions: Eligibility Survey, Veteran Application, Training Facility Tour.

Eligibility

To start the application process, please fill out the Eligibility Survey.

Once we review your eligibility survey, you will be sent the full Veteran Application to your email.

If you do not receive a response from BelieVet™ within 3 business days, contact Believet at
info@believet.org. Be sure to check your spam folder.

Veteran Application

Once you have completed and returned your Veteran Application to Believet, allow one
month for processing.  Include these additional documents with your Veteran Application:

• DD214
• VA Decision Rating (complete document), as applicable.
• Copy of your Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance with the relevant section of policy
  concerning dog bites or injuries. Most policies do not specify, but will show personal
  liability coverage.
• Your current renter’s agreement /lease.
• A letter of acknowledgement signed by both you and your landlord,
  confirming that:
  a) You have discussed with your landlord that you are applying for, and
  hope to be securing a service dog to reside with you.
  b) Your landlord’s written and signed approval.Form DD-214 (long version)

Training Facility Tour

During the application process, you will be invited to visit our training facility located in Northfield, MN. Meet our experienced trainers, the service dogs in training, and learn more about what Believet™’s program can do for you.

Once your application has been processed and you have been approved for the program, you may schedule your training.

Training

Once accepted into our program, we will set up a mutually convenient date for an initial training. You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of handler/team training at our Northfield, MN location. Most veterans complete the 120 hours in 3-4 months time. However, the schedule is flexible and we want to make the experience as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Please be aware that in some cases it may take anywhere from 9–12 months before a service dog is placed with the veteran. During this time period, you are welcomed and encouraged to visit the training center, train with the service dogs, and volunteer with our organization.

It’s important to emphasize that one of our main goals at Believet™ is to ensure long-term placements that are in the best interest of both the veteran and the service dog. Each veteran has a unique set of capabilities and limitations. The same is true of each service dog.

Conditions and Stipulations

Believet™ service dogs always remain under Believet™ ownership. Believet™ continues to remain a part of the veteran/service dog support network for the life of the service dog.

Believet™ service dogs are not allowed to remain in unsafe or ineffective environments. Upon request, service dogs must be immediately surrendered to the Believet™ training team for removal from an unsatisfactory partnership.

Veterans applying to the program must meet the following criteria:

• Verifiable diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, and/or MST.
• Verifiable diagnosis of a physical disability.
• Honorable discharge or current honorable service.
• Stable living environment.
• Free of substance abuse.
• Not have a conviction for any crime against animals.