Career Change Dog Applications

 
 

Not all dogs can be Service Dogs…
but they can still be your best friend.

The journey to being a Service Dog is difficult, and not all dogs complete the program. Sometimes a dog will be better suited to a different type of work or would rather be a family pet, so they get a career change! Dogs can be dropped from the program for a variety of reasons such as behavioral issues or medical conditions such as allergies.

Mutts With A Mission is committed to finding the perfect home for all of our dogs and our matching process is based primarily on suitability. Obedience & agility competitors, search & rescue teams, and dog sport enthusiasts are encouraged to apply!

 
 

Applicant Criteria

  • Must be a resident of Virginia.

  • Adoption fees vary and are determined case by case.

  • Must be willing to travel to our facility to meet the career-change dog.

  • Adopters must be willing to do the following:

    • Purchase an appropriately sized crate for transition to the new home.

    • Work with the medical or behavioral needs of the dog.

    • Attend dog training classes appropriate to the temperament of the new dog. Career change dogs often need further training.

    • Have either a fully fenced area or kennel run at least 5 feet high. A home check will be performed prior to placement.

Application process

  1. Submit completed application and required documents.

  2. Review Process can take up to 6 weeks, and you may be asked to provide additional information.

  3. If approved, you will be on the wait list for the next career-change dog.

  4. When a dog becomes available, we will contact you to discuss the details and placement suitability.

  5. You, your family, and your other dogs will come to our facility to meet the career-change dog and see if it’s a good match! This typically takes 2 hours.

  6. If it’s a match, you will pay the associated adoption fees and the career-change dog goes home with you!

adoption Application Documents

 

Please Note: Career-Change Dogs may not be used or represented as a Service Dog at any time.
These dogs are not graduates of our program, and misrepresenting a dog is a violation of the adoption agreement and federal law.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.