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At Believet, our mission is to train and provide highly skilled service dogs to veterans at no cost to them, helping restore independence, confidence, and connection for those living with PTSD, MST, and other service-related challenges.
Our program begins with the careful selection of each dog. We evaluate temperament, health, and trainability to ensure every dog has the potential to succeed as a service partner. From there, dogs are placed in foster homes where they are trained in basic obedience and socialization, before advancing to more specialized service skills such as grounding, interruption of anxiety behaviors, and task-based support tailored to a veteran’s needs.
A key part of our program is the thoughtful matching process. We take great care to pair each veteran with a dog whose personality, energy level, and skills align with their lifestyle and specific challenges—creating a strong, lasting partnership.
Once matched, veterans participate in 100–200 hours of hands-on training onsite in Northfield, where they learn how to effectively handle and work with their service dog. This training includes both structured sessions at our facility and real-world practice out in the community, ensuring each team is prepared for everyday situations.
Our program is designed to set both the veteran and the dog up for long-term success, with ongoing support provided along the way.
If you meet the criteria listed below, we encourage you to apply and begin the journey toward partnership with a service dog.
To ensure the best possible outcomes for both our veterans and our service dogs, applicants must meet the following criteria:
✔ Service & Diagnosis
✔ Living Environment
✔ Ability to Care for a Dog
✔ Health & Safety Requirements
✔ Training Commitment
If you meet these requirements, we encourage you to take the next step and apply—we would be honored to support you on your journey.
The first step in your Believet application is to complete our Veteran Eligibility Survey.
Please reach us at info@believet.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes! Believet is a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our Tax ID number is 47-2829459. Believet is also accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
Assistance Dogs International (“ADI”) is the leading authority in the Assistance Dog industry. ADI is a coalition of non-profit organizations that train service dogs. ADI sets the overarching standards for service dog training and ethics. For Believet to be accredited by ADI means that veterans can be assured that Believet is providing service dogs that are trained to a high standard and provides lifelong support for both veterans and their service dogs.
The length of time it takes to train a dog depends on a variety of factors, including the dog's age, breed, temperament, and the type of training needed. On average, it generally takes from six (6) to twelve (12) months to train a service dog from start to finish.
Once a completed application, including all required supporting documents, is received by Believet, it generally takes 1 to 2 months to complete the background check, home visit, and Believet kennel visit. Program acceptance decisions are made once that is all complete.
We offer different veteran programs tailored to meet the specific needs of each qualifying veteran. Every veteran will receive 120-200 hours of dog handling training prior to final placement with a service dog.
Veterans receive Believet service dogs and extensive dog handling training (to ensure the success of the veteran-dog pairing) free of charge. Travel to and from the training facility and any necessary lodging is their responsibility. In addition, after placement the veteran assumes financial responsibility for caring for their service dog (food, veterinary care, toys, other equipment/gear).
Believet’s dogs are custom-trained for psychiatric and mobility tasks to help them lead more productive, independent lives. The value this program brings to veterans and their families, enabling them to lead full lives, is priceless.
Believet trains dogs from a wide range of sources. We train dogs adopted from shelters and animal rescues, we train dogs who are donated to the program from supporters and breeders. We also train purpose-bred service dog puppies that we have bred internally, or that were bred at other ADI accredited service dog organizations.
No - every dog is unique. What matters is temperament and suitability for both service dog training and service dog work.
Yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs may be trained by professionals or amateurs. The ADA service dog definition: "Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." A service dog must always be under their handler's control (harnessed, leashed or tethered).
However, In order for a service dog to be recognized by the Veterans Administration (VA), it must be trained by an ADI accredited organization like Believet.
Believet Canine Service Partners
3885 100th St E, Northfield, MN 55057
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