Have questions about WAGS? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re interested in becoming a volunteer trainer, applying for a service dog, learning about our clinical therapy dog program, or understanding how our dogs are trained, we’re here to help. Browse our most frequently asked questions below, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us. We’d be happy to answer your questions.
Our Organization
I’m interested in becoming a volunteer trainer, what’s involved?
GREAT! Volunteer trainers help raise and train future service dogs and clinical therapy dogs. Most volunteers begin by raising a puppy and teaching basic obedience skills, beginning level service dog skills, and shaping appropriate behaviors at home and in public.
Volunteers attend regular training sessions and classes and receive guidance and support from the WAGS Program Director throughout the process. It is a meaningful commitment, but also an incredibly rewarding way to make an impact.
Learn more about becoming a Volunteer Trainer, or call or text us at 608-213-1173 and we will walk you through the process and answer your questions.
Do I need prior dog training experience to become a volunteer trainer?
No. Prior dog training experience is not required. But experience with dogs is preferred. WAGS provides hands-on training, guidance, and support so volunteers can learn how to raise and train a future working dog.
What is the time commitment for becoming a volunteer trainer?
Becoming a WAGS volunteer trainer is typically a one- to two-year commitment. Puppies generally spend 10–14 months with their first trainer before moving into the next phase of training.
Can I take a WAGS puppy to work?
Many volunteer trainers bring their puppy-in-training to work or other community settings to help the dog gain important socialization experience. Workplace policies vary, so volunteers should confirm what is allowed with their employer.
Can I take my WAGS dog-in-training into public places?
Yes. WAGS dogs are trained as service dogs from the beginning of their training. As volunteer trainers, an important part of your role is helping your dog gain experience in a variety of public environments to build confidence, good manners, and the skills needed to become a successful working dog.
Under Wisconsin law, service dogs in training with an agency are afforded public access rights while actively engaged in training. This allows WAGS volunteer trainers to take their dog-in-training into many public places as part of the dog’s development.
Keep in mind that public outings are purposeful training opportunities. WAGS provides guidance on when a dog is ready for different environments, appropriate training etiquette, and how to represent WAGS professionally while in the community.
If a dog is later determined to be a better fit as a clinical therapy dog rather than a service dog, that decision is made after its initial service dog training. At that point, the dog’s future working role and applicable public access expectations may change.
Do volunteer trainers incur any expenses?
WAGS provides veterinary care and essential training equipment. Volunteers currently cover expenses for food, treats, and toys. We continue to evaluate ways to further support volunteer trainers with training-related expenses and will provide updated details during the volunteer process.
Are donations to WAGS tax deductible?
Yes. WAGS, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Therefore your contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Can you provide a speaker to make a presentation at our event?
We’d love to and will do our best to accommodate your request. WAGS presentations may include information about our mission, service and clinical therapy dogs, volunteer opportunities, and community impact. For speaking events outside an approximately 25 mile radius of our office, we appreciate a donation to compensate for staff time and travel expenses. To discuss arranging for a speaker, please contact us at 608-250-WAGS (9247) or send us an email.
How can I support WAGS?
There are many ways to support WAGS, including volunteering, sitting, donating, attending events, becoming a community partner, and sharing our mission with others. If you have any questions, please contact us at 608-250-WAGS (9247) or send us an email to learn more ways to get involved.
Our Program
What dog breeds does WAGS use?
WAGS works primarily with Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.
How are WAGS dogs trained?
WAGS dogs are raised, socialized, and trained by Volunteer Trainers under the direct supervision and guidance of our Program Director. We use positive reinforcement training methods to teach and shape skills and behaviors. Training plans are customized based on each dog’s strengths and temperament as they prepare for their future role as a service dog or clinical therapy dog.
What tasks are WAGS dogs trained to do?
WAGS Service Dogs are trained to help individuals who have limited physical mobility. Some skills our dogs learn include pushing accessible door buttons, tugging open doors, flipping light switches, and retrieving items and placing them in an individual’s hand or lap. Clinical therapy dogs receive specialized training to provide support and connection in community settings. This could include schools, nursing homes, local police departments and more.
Does WAGS train dogs to alert when an individual is having a seizure or a diabetic episode?
No. WAGS does not train dogs to do seizure or diabetic episode alerts.
Does WAGS train dogs for children with autism?
No. WAGS does not currently train service dogs specifically to assist children who have autism.
How long does each WAGS dog work?
The average working life of a WAGS dog is 8-10 years. Upon retirement, these dogs live out the rest of their lives as pets, often with their partner, or with family or friends of the client.
What happens to the dogs that do not graduate?
WAGS is proud to have a high rate of dogs that graduate to become service or clinical therapy dogs. From time to time, a dog may be unable to be placed due to health or temperament. Individuals interested in adopting a non-graduate dog must complete an application, pass a home visit, and pay the required adoption fee. Non-graduate dogs are usually released between 1–2 years of age, are spayed or neutered, and are current on vaccinations.
Service Dogs
Who is eligible to apply for a WAGS dog?
WAGS provides service dogs for individuals who have limited physical mobility secondary to an injury or illness.
To be eligible, an individual must:
• Have limited physical mobility secondary to an injury or illness
• Live within approximately an 80-mile radius of Madison, Wisconsin
• Be able to independently give commands to a dog
• Be cognitively capable of participating in placement training
• Be able to meet the long-term financial responsibilities of owning a dog
• Be able to meet the emotional and physical needs of a dog
How do I apply for a WAGS service dog?
The first step is completing a WAGS application. Our team reviews each application to determine eligibility and whether a WAGS dog may be a good fit based on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
Is there a fee to obtain a Service Dog from WAGS?
The cost for a WAGS service dog is approximately $6,000. These fees help cover the costs involved in raising, training, placing, and supporting a WAGS dog. This includes veterinary care, training materials and supplies, client training and services, facility costs, and administrative support.
Is funding assistance available?
WAGS works with each client to help them raise funds to pay for their service dog. We also offer payment plans that make it possible for clients to cover the cost in a comfortable and manageable way.
How long is the wait for a Service Dog from WAGS?
WAGS seeks to make the best matches possible for each dog and client. Timing depends on many factors, including the number of clients on the waiting list, the number of dogs in training. The average wait time is one to two years.
Can WAGS train my personal dog to become a service dog?
No. WAGS does not train personally owned dogs. If you’re looking for training resources for your personal dog, we’re happy to point you toward organizations that may be able to help.
Clinical Therapy Dogs
What are Clinical Therapy Dogs?
WAGS Clinical Therapy Dogs are specially trained dogs who support individuals and communities through partnerships with organizations such as schools and other community settings. These dogs help provide comfort, connection, and support through structured interactions.
Can my organization request a Clinical Therapy Dog visit or partnership?
WAGS welcomes opportunities to partner with organizations interested in the impact of Clinical Therapy Dogs. Contact us to discuss your needs, goals, and availability.
What is the difference between a WAGS Service Dog and a Clinical Therapy Dog?
Although both are highly trained working dogs, they have different roles and serve different populations.
WAGS Service Dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks that help a person with a physical mobility disability live more independently. These dogs are partnered with one individual and are trained to assist with daily activities such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, pushing accessible buttons, and other mobility-related tasks. Because they are trained to mitigate a person’s disability, service dogs are permitted to accompany their handler in public places under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
WAGS Clinical Therapy Dogs work alongside professionals in community settings such as schools, healthcare organizations, and other partner agencies. Rather than serving one individual, they support many people by providing comfort, connection, and therapeutic support as part of structured programs. Clinical Therapy Dogs do not have the same public access rights as service dogs and typically work only in approved settings with their handler.
Both programs rely on the same commitment to positive reinforcement training and are made possible by the dedication of WAGS volunteer trainers.
Resources
Are there laws that protect individuals with disabilities and their service dogs?
Yes. In the United States, federal and state laws provide protections for individuals with disabilities who use service dogs. These legal protections do not apply to Clinical Therapy Dogs.
What does the ADA define as a service animal?
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
What public access protections exist for service dogs?
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires public accommodations to make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures to accommodate service animals.
What about Wisconsin service dog laws?
Wisconsin law provides protections for individuals with disabilities and service animal trainers regarding access to public places and accommodations.
What about airline access and housing?
Federal laws provide protections related to access for individuals with disabilities who use service animals, including transportation and housing protections.
Are service dogs exempt from Wisconsin dog license taxes?
Wisconsin Statute Chapter 174.055 provides exemptions for dogs specially trained to provide support for mobility-impaired persons.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, we’d love to hear from you. Contact the WAGS team by phone, text, or email, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you find the information you need.