Argos FAQ

What types of service dogs does Argos Working Dogs place?

Right now we are focusing on three type of service dogs.

Mobility dogs people who have disabilities that affect their ability to walk. These dogs assist primarily with walking, balance, and retrieval tasks.
Autism service dogs for adults with autism spectrum disorders or similar disabilities. These dogs can perform a variety of tasks based on the needs of the service dog user.
Skilled companion dogs for adults or children with autism spectrum disorders or similar disabilities who would benefit from a service dog in the home only. These dogs are not trained to work in public, but may provide assistance with tasks at home and offer the companionship of a well-behaved dog.

Who is eligible for an Argos Working Dog?

You may be eligible for an Argos Working Dog if...

You have a disability that affects your mobility, or you are an adult with an autism spectrum disorder or similar disability.
If you are applying for a mobility dog or an autism service dog, you are at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
You are not allergic to dogs. (Hypoallergenic breeds may be available in limited numbers, but the wait may be significantly longer)
If you are applying for a mobility dog or an autism service dog, you must be able to direct and command a service dog appropriately in a variety of public places.
You have learned the independent living skills necessary to function without a service dog if it should become necessary.
You maintain a sufficient level of activity, through work, school, volunteering or other community participation, to benefit from a service dog.
You do not have a history of violent behavior towards people or animals, and have not been convicted of animal neglect or abuse.
You are financially stable and can afford the ongoing expense of a service dog.
You will not have another dog under one year of age at the time the service dog is placed with you.

What does an Argos Working Dog cost?: We place our dogs at cost. While the exact fee has not yet been determined, we predict it will be about $5000 for a mobility dog or an autism service dog. A skilled companion dog will likely be less expensive. The fee for the dog will cover all the dog's training and expenses prior to placement, any necessary equipment for the dog, and team training. We will be happy to arrange payment plans.

Who owns the service dog?: Once the team has satisfactorily completed training and the handler has paid the fee for the dog, full ownership will be transferred to the handler. We will continue to provide support for the team for the life of the team, or as long as the handler desires.

Where do the dogs come from?: Argos Working Dogs does not currently have a breeding program. We get our dogs from a variety of sources, including shelters, rescues and breeders. At some point in the future, we may establish a breeding program as it is difficult to find suitable dogs in shelters and rescues.

What breeds of dogs does Argos Working Dogs use?: In a nutshell, we use what works. Our selection criteria is not based on breed, but on temperament, size and health. Breeds traditionally used in service work are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and mixes of those breeds, and as a result, these breeds will likely be used widely in the Argos program.

How much training do dogs from Argos Working Dogs receive?: The amount of training varies based on the age and training level of the dog when we receive it and the type of work it will be doing. However, all service dogs will receive a minimum of 120 hours of training over at least 6 months. Skilled companion dogs may receive slightly less training.

What is the application process to receive a dog from Argos Working Dogs?: We have not yet finalized the application process, but it will likely include a paper application, an interview, a background check and a reference check.

Can I request a certain breed/sex/color of dog?: Maybe. When we are able to fulfill a request, we will. However, it may take longer than it would otherwise to find a suitable dog for you if you will only accept a certain breed or sex. In addition, while requests for common working breeds such as labs or German Shepherds may be easily met, requests for rare breeds or breeds not commonly used for service work will me much harder if not impossible to meet. The more open you are to different breeds, the more likely we are to find a suitable match for you.

How long is the wait for a service dog?: As we are not yet placing dogs full time, we cannot give a definite time frame. What we can say is that it takes a minimum of 6 months of training to produce a service dog, and usually closer to a year. It may take several months to find a dog that is a suitable match for someone. As a result, the wait is likely to be at least one year, and possibly 2-3 years. We will know more about this once we start placing dogs full time.