How to Apply
Every application starts with a conversation. Here’s what to expect in each of our programs, from your first inquiry to certification and beyond. Contact our team with any questions along the way.
Which Program Fits You?
Both programs lead to Government of Alberta certification.
Looking for support at home without public access? Learn about Companion Dogs.
Fully Trained: Steps to Placement
- Talk with our team. Tell us about your goals and needs, and we’ll help confirm the Fully Trained Program is the right fit.
- Complete your application package. It includes information about you and your daily life, along with a medical form completed by your physician or registered psychologist. Working with your care team helps us identify the tasks that will make the biggest difference for you.
- Join our waitlist. Dogs must be at least 18 months old to certify, and most aren’t mature enough for placement until closer to two. Combined with high demand, the wait is typically about two years.
- Stay in touch as your dog trains. We check in at key milestones to learn about you, so we can shape your future dog’s training around your life.
- Team training. When your dog is ready, you’ll spend a week training together with our trainers, with support in your home where it helps.
- Certification. We prepare your team for the Government of Alberta public access assessment and support your service dog ID application.
- Settling in and ongoing support. We follow up weekly after team training until you’re settled, then check in annually. Refresher training is available whenever you need it.
Owner Trained: Steps to Certification
- Talk with our team. We’ll learn about your goals and your dog, and explain how the program works.
- Complete your application package. It includes information about you, a medical form completed by your physician or registered psychologist, and details about your dog, including proof of vaccinations.
- Dog assessment. A trainer assesses your dog’s temperament and suitability for service work, in person at our facility or by video for virtual clients. There’s no fee and no breed restriction.
- Your training plan. We build a personalized plan around your goals, routine and support needs.
- Training. Classes take place in our Edmonton and Calgary facilities and in public settings, or through weekly one-on-one video sessions in our virtual program. You’ll receive regular feedback on your team’s progress throughout. Most teams train for one to two years, depending on the dog’s age, foundation skills and any habits to work through.
- Certification. When your team is ready, we prepare you for the Government of Alberta public access assessment and support your service dog ID application.
- Ongoing support. Graduates can continue with classes, refresher training and our community.
Included in Both Programs
- A personalized training plan, shaped with input from your care team
- Preparation for Government of Alberta certification and support with your ID application
- Follow-up support and refresher training after certification
- Access to our private community of handlers, graduates and volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Program costs vary by program and type of service dog. We share full details, including payment schedules, in our application package. Contact our team to request one.
How do clients fund their program?
Aspen is a private school, and clients fund their program in different ways, including personal funds, insurance coverage and support from community organizations. We’re happy to talk through what has worked for other families.
Why is the Fully Trained wait about two years?
Dogs must be at least 18 months old to certify, and most aren’t mature enough for placement until closer to two. We never rush a dog into work before they’re ready, and demand for our program is high.
Do I need a letter from my doctor?
Yes. Both programs require a medical form completed by your physician or registered psychologist. Working with your care team helps us identify the tasks that will be most helpful for you.
Do you work with children?
Yes. Until a young person can handle their service dog fully on their own, a parent or guardian is part of the team as a handler, and we train the family together.
Can I apply if I don’t live in Alberta?
Yes. We place Fully Trained dogs across Canada, and our virtual Owner Trained Program is available wherever you live. Certification is through the Government of Alberta. Public access rules vary by province and territory, so we recommend checking the requirements where you live.
Can any dog join the Owner Trained Program?
There’s no breed restriction. Every dog is assessed for temperament and suitability, and age matters too. Dogs can only be certified until age 10, which can limit how long an older dog is able to work.
What if my dog isn’t a good fit?
Not every dog is suited to service work. Some may not be accepted at the initial assessment, and for dogs in the program, we share regular feedback so you always know how your team is progressing.