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ICAN service dog
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Frequently Asked Questions for those interested in applying:

  1. HOW LONG IS THE WAIT FOR AN ICAN TRAINED DOG?
  2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CRITERIA THAT ICAN USES TO EVALUATE IF SOMEONE IS ELIGIBLE TO HAVE AN ASSISTANT DOG PLACED WITH HIM/HER?
  3. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME INITIALLY TO GET AN ASSISTANT DOG FROM ICAN?
  4. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SEND IN MY APPLICATION TO ICAN?
  5. SO, I’VE RECEIVED AN ASSISANT DOG AND THEN…
  6. WHERE ARE THE TRAINING CLASSES HELD?
  7. WHERE DO I MAIL MY COMPLETED APPLICATION
  1. HOW LONG IS THE WAIT FOR AN ICAN TRAINED DOG?
     It is difficult for us to make precise predictions regarding how long the wait will be for a dog. We can tell you the following:
    • ICAN’s priority for placements is with children and adolescents. We do accept adult applications but adults need to know that children and adolescents are the first priority.
    • We do take into account the order we receive applications; however, we also strive to make the best possible match between the assistant dog and the recipient. This match-up takes into consideration the build and temperament of the dog as well as the lifestyle and personality of the recipient. Thus, we may not always keep to strict first come-first serve policy.
    • We hope that your wait will be less than a year and a half. Please remember that this is only an estimate and may change. You are welcome to contact us for an update.

  2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CRITERIA THAT ICAN USES TO EVALUATE IF SOMEONE IS ELIGIBLE TO HAVE AN ASSISTANT DOG PLACED WITH HIM/HER?
     The decision for a person, family or facility to bring an assistant dog into their life requires a serious and sustained commitment. While the mission of ICAN is to provide as many people as possible with healthy, safe assistant dogs, we are also committed to making sure that ICAN dogs are placed in safe, healthy environments. Some of the considerations we evaluate include the following:
    • Will the assistant dog be an “indoor dog”? While many people are accustomed to keeping “outdoor dogs”, assistant dogs have been bred and trained to form strong bonds to people. When dogs are routinely kept outside, it is unlikely that the type of special bond between a dog and his/her handler can truly develop to its fullest capacity. Thus, we are reluctant to place assistant dogs if the dog will primarily be kept outside. .
    • Is there a way for the dog to get adequate exercise each day? When assistant dogs are placed they are typically 2 years of age or less and have a good deal of energy. If dogs (especially young dogs) do not receive regular opportunities to exercise, they can quickly develop behavior problems and/or gain excessive weight.
    • Is there a fence or containment system for the dog? Again, it is important for assistant dogs to be able to exercise and/or relax when they are not working. An off-leash dog in an outdoor area can quickly become a traffic casualty and/or establish a pattern of roaming.
    • Who will take care of the dog in the event that the primary handler is not able to? Some individuals who have disabilities find that their strength and/or symptoms vary considerably from day-to-day or week-to-week. It is important for a back-up plan be in place in the event that the primary recipient of the dog is not able to care for the dog.
    • Are there other members of the household? If so, how do they feel about an assistant dog? Are they supportive? Are they willing to help with the care and upkeep of the dog (e.g., trimming dog’s nails, grooming, taking dog to vet as needed, picking up dog waste)? Does anyone have allergies to dogs?
    • Are there other animals in the household or facility? If so, how might introducing an assistant dog impact them? Have other dogs be introduced before? Dogs and cats can be quite socially sensitive and not all will adapt readily to “newcomers”. While we do place assistant dogs in homes with multiple animals, it is an undertaking that deserves consideration.
    • Does anyone in the house or facility smoke? If so, how often?
    • Does the person or family have the financial means to care for assistant dog? While estimates vary on how much it takes to provide care and proper vet care for a dog, most people place the cost between $500-$1200/year.

  3. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME INITIALLY TO GET AN ASSISTANT DOG FROM ICAN?
     We ask for a $25.00 application fee-to be sent in with your application. Once matched with a dog, you will need to attend a 1-2-week training class (called “team training”). At t this time we ask for a $500.00 fee to cover basic training equipment and start-up supplies. Other expenses associated with your 2-week training will be your accommodations (if you have to travel to the facility), transportation and attendant care, if needed. We will try to help with your travel arrangements-just ask. Meals will be another cost for you. ICAN will provide lunches but breakfast and dinner will be up to you.

  4. OK, I’M READY TO APPLY FOR AN ICAN DOG, WHAT DO I DO?
    If you have already received application, you can complete it, and have the necessary medical and personal references complete their part of the application. Then you’re ready to send in your application. If you have not yet received an application, you can request one through our website. The address is listed at the top of this document.
  5. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SEND IN MY APPLICATION TO ICAN?
    Once your application for an assistant dog is complete (which includes the personal application form, medical reference form, and personal reference form), we will set up an in-home interview. We ask your permission to videotape this interview so we can get a sense of your abilities and living situation. With this information we are able to look for the best match between your skills, your needs, and the skill and temperaments of the potential dogs.
  6. SO, I’VE RECEIVED AN ASSISANT DOG AND THEN…
    We hope that you and your ICAN dog have a long and productive relationship as a team after you leave the 1-2 week ICAN team training. Should the need arise, we will be available to help you problem solve assistant dog related situations after your team training. Also, each team will need to be “recertified” on a yearly basis. This will ensure that you and your assistant dog are continuing to be a productive and safe team.
  7. WHERE ARE THE TRAINING CLASSES HELD?
    As you may know, ICAN has 2 parts in its mission-providing assistant dogs and providing at-risk youth and adult opportunities to learn responsibility, compassion and animal handling skills. All of our training takes place in an adult correctional facility in Indiana (Rockville, Indianapolis or Branchville). We assure your privacy by having the training building set apart from the general population. The staff at these correctional facilities are very supportive of the program and work to make your visit as welcoming as possible.
  8. WHERE DO I SEND MY COMPLETED APPLICATION?
    ICAN, Inc.
    P.O. Box 53174
    Indianapolis, IN 46253-0174
    Attention: Amy Fredericks
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