Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Therapetics do?
Since 1992, Therapetics has been providing Service Dogs to Oklahomans with disabilities to enhance their independence and quality of life. Therapetics also strives to increase awareness of the rights of Service Dogs and their handlers and advocating for them in the community we serve.
Where is Therapetics located?
Therapetics is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We train exclusively in public areas to keep our dogs socialized properly to real-life situations.
What types of Service Dogs does Therapetics train?
Therapetics trains Service Dogs to assist with mobility issues and clients with military and first responder related PTSD. We do not train dogs to assist with seizures, autism, diabetes, blindness, deafness, or emotional support (as a primary condition).
How do I apply for a Therapetics dog?
Visit our Apply for a Dog page.
How quickly can I receive a service dog if I qualify for one?
Therapetics has a wait list for our trained dogs; however, we match dogs to individuals on our waiting list who can best benefit from a specific dog’s skill set. Our current waitlist is 2-3 years.
How does Therapetics obtain dogs?
The dogs in our program are primarily donated to Therapetics by respected breeders in our community.
How do I donate a dog to Therapetics?
Therapetics gladly accepts puppies from respected breeders. Therapetics prefers to meet the parents of the puppies being considered for donation and conduct a temperament test at around 7 weeks old. We are open to many different breeds, but primarily train Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Standard Poodle (and Doodle) puppies with a healthy lineage.
Will Therapetics train my dog to be a Service Dog?
Therapetics does not train dogs that are not owned by Therapetics. See the answers above on how we obtain our dogs and dog donations.
Can Therapetics test my dog to be a Service Dog?
Therapetics does not evaluate dogs outside of our program. Our trainers and puppies are evaluated on a regular basis over the course of 18 months to determine suitability for Service Dog work.
What happens to dogs that are not fit for a service dog career?
Therapetics tries to find another working career for our dogs who are not suited for a service dog career. Some dogs that have been placed from Therapetics’ program have become facility dogs and therapy dogs. If the dog is not suitable for any other career, it will be adopted out to qualifying individuals as a pet.
How long does it take to train a Service Dog?
Therapetics Service Dogs in Training (SDiTs) are raised until they are approximately 18 months old before they are paired with a client. If a dog has matured and proved themselves ready for partnership earlier than that timeframe, Therapetics’ may choose to place a dog with a client when they are under 18 months old.
Who raises and trains Therapetics’ Service Dogs?
Therapetics Service Dogs are raised and trained by volunteers between 8 weeks to 18 months of age. Interested in training a puppy? Visit our Become a Volunteer page for more information.
What does it take to be a puppy trainer or pet sitter?
Those interested in either puppy training or pet sitting should have a somewhat flexible schedule to allow for appropriate training for the dog. Our dogs live indoors are crate-trained and are encouraged to learn and work through positive reinforcement methods. If you work full-time or are a student, you should be prepared to take the Service Dog in Training to work or school with you at least 50% of the time when they are 6 months or older. Trainers and sitters are also required to come to weekly group training sessions and submit weekly logs of their dog’s training progress and activities.
Do I need to know anything about training dogs to volunteer?
No, Therapetics will provide you with all of the resources needed for you to volunteer with you including training guidance and equipment.
Do you need other types of volunteers?
Outside of our puppy trainers, Therapetics is always looking for volunteers to be short-term pet sitters, fundraising power members, and administrative and Board members. Visit our Become a Volunteer page for more information.
How much does a Service Dog from Therapetics cost?
Therapetics provides Service Dogs to qualifying individuals at no cost. The cost to raise, train, place Service Dogs, and provide ongoing team support exceeds $10,000 per dog. Therapetics relies on funding from individual donations, local businesses, and the community. Visit our Support Us page to find out how you can support our mission.
How does Therapetics fund the program?
Our program is run completely by unpaid volunteers allowing 100% of each dollar donated to go directly to our Service Dogs in training. We rely on financial support from individuals, civic groups, businesses, and churches in our community to put each dog through our program. Visit the Support US page for more information on how to financially support us.