A Paw To Hold

Frequently
Asked Questions

This FAQ page is designed to answer all your questions about how the A Paw to Hold program works, who qualifies, what the application process involves, why there are limits to how many scholarships we award each year, and what to expect if you're selected. Whether you're considering applying or just want to learn more, we hope this page gives you the clarity and insight you need.

Program Overview

Q: What is the A Paw to Hold program?
A: A Paw to Hold is a service dog scholarship program for adoptive families raising children with significant emotional, behavioral, or attachment challenges. We partner with Ragnar Defense, our trusted service dog trainer to help families access highly trained service dogs that can offer both emotional support and practical assistance.

Q: What makes a service dog different from a pet, therapy dog, or emotional support animal?
A: Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks that help mitigate a person’s disability, such as interrupting emotional outbursts, creating space in crowds, offering calming pressure, or guiding a child to safety. Unlike therapy dogs and emotional support animals, service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and may accompany their handler in public spaces, including schools, restaurants, stores, and airplanes. Learn more about service dogs here.

Eligibility and Application

Q: What are the eligibility requirements in order to apply for a scholarship?
A:

The applicant must either be a child adopted from foster care or an immediate family member living in the same household as such a child.
The applicant must currently reside in Wyoming.
The family must be willing to participate in an in-person interview with representatives from AAIF and Ragnar Defense, if requested.
The family understands that this scholarship does not cover then entire cost of a service canine and agrees to cover the remaining cost of service canine training as outlined by Ragnar Defense.
The family understands that the service canine will be spayed or neutered before placement.
The family agrees to all terms outlined in the Ragnar Defense Service Canine Agreement.
The family must submit a completed Mental Health Provider Form from a licensed therapist if the applicant is currently in therapy. If the applicant is not receiving therapy, the family must instead complete and submit a Mental Health Provider Absence Form.
The family must submit a completed Medical Provider Form from the applicant’s primary care provider.
The family must submit a copy of the adopted child’s Final Decree of Adoption to verify adoption through foster care.
All adults aged 18 or older living in the household must submit a completed copy of the Authorization to Conduct Background Check form.

Q: Why do you require background checks?

A: We require background checks to help ensure the safety of both the dog and the family, and to uphold our responsibility as good stewards of our donors’ contributions. To that end, we cannot place a dog in any home where a household member has been convicted of, or pled no contest to, violent crimes or offenses involving children, animals, or family members.

Q: Can foster families apply?
A: At this time, the program is limited to adoptive families due to the long-term nature of service dog placement and bonding. If custody or placement is not permanent, a service dog may not be a sustainable solution.

Q: How do I apply?
A: You can submit an application through our A Paw to Hold page when the application window is open. The application includes questions about your child’s needs, your family situation, and your readiness to support and care for a service dog.

Q: When can I apply?
A: Our program accepts applications once per year. We are currently at capacity for 2025. Applications will reopen in January 2026.

Timeline and Training

Q: How long does the application process take?

A: After we receive your completed application and all supporting documents, we will submit your background check. The report can take anywhere from one day to a couple of weeks to come back. Once we have it, our board reviews all materials and typically makes a decision within one week. If we need to ask additional questions or schedule a home visit, the process may take a bit longer. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Q: After I am approved, how long does it take to get my service dog?
A: The process begins with the trainer at Ragnar Defense meeting with the scholarship recipient to determine what type of dog will best meet their needs. The trainer then searches for a dog with the right age, breed, and temperament. This search can take up to two months—or longer if the ideal puppy has not yet been born. Once the dog is selected, training typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete.

Q: Why does it take so long to train a service dog?
A: A service dog must learn a wide range of specialized tasks while also developing the focus, obedience, and reliability required to work in high-stress or unpredictable environments. Each dog is trained to meet the specific needs of the child and family. It also takes time to ensure the dog is well-socialized, calm in public settings, and responsive to both the trainer and future handler.

Q: Where does the training take place?
A: Our training partner, Ragnar Defense, is located in Casper, WY. Training takes place at their facility as well as many other locations around the community.

Q: Can we choose our own trainer or organization instead of working with Ragnar Defense?
A: At this time, our scholarship program partners exclusively with Ragnar Defense to ensure consistent quality, safety standards, and a thorough understanding of trauma-informed service dog training.

Q: What kinds of tasks can a service dog be trained to perform for a child with emotional or behavioral disabilities?
A: Tasks may include deep pressure therapy, emotional regulation support, interrupting self-harming behaviors, guiding the child to a safe space, or alerting parents when the child is in distress. The exact tasks are tailored to each child's specific needs.

Cost and Funding

Q: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Ragnar Defense sets the total cost for each service dog based on the individual needs of the child and family—this amount is typically $12,000 or more. Our scholarship is paid directly to Ragnar Defense and currently covers between $6,000 and $10,000 of that total. The full cost includes the dog, training, food, housing, and basic veterinary care while the dog is in Ragnar Defense’s care. Families selected for the program will receive detailed information about their financial portion (including a payment schedule) after meeting with the trainer.

Q: Are there any costs not covered by the total amount set by Ragnar Defense?

A: As with any animal there are always ongoing expenses. Families are responsible for costs such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and equipment (like leashes, vests, or crates) after the dog transitions home. We recommend families plan ahead for these ongoing responsibilities.

Q: What if I cannot afford any part of the cost? Should I still apply?

A: Yes! We know financial strain is real, especially for families navigating complex needs. We’ll do our best to work with you and Ragnar Defense to make this possible. Applicants may want to consider using a rescue dog instead of a dog purchased from a breeder, and/or applying for post-adoptive funds through the state’s Department of Family Services to help reduce their out-of-pocket cost for the service dog.

Q: Why does it cost so much to get a service dog?

A: The high cost of a service dog reflects the extensive time, expertise, and resources required to properly raise and train one. A professionally trained service dog goes through months of daily training, socialization, and specialized task work tailored to the individual's needs. Costs also include the dog's purchase, veterinary care, food, housing, equipment, and the trainer’s time and expertise.

During and After Training

Q: Can I visit my dog during training?

A: Yes, we encourage regular visits with your dog throughout the training process to help build a strong bond. You can work directly with Ragnar Defense to create a visitation plan that fits your family’s needs.

Q: How is the service dog transitioned into my care after its training is complete?
A: Once your service dog has completed training, Ragnar Defense will schedule a handler training period for you and your family. During this time, you'll work directly with the trainer to learn how to give commands, reinforce tasks, manage the dog's care, and continue building your bond. This transition phase typically includes hands-on instruction, supervised practice, and support to help you feel confident and prepared. The goal is to ensure a smooth and successful handoff so the dog can begin working in your home as a trusted support partner.

Q: How can I maintain my service dog’s training after it comes home?
A: Consistency is key to maintaining your service dog’s training. During the handler training phase, Ragnar Defense will teach you how to use the commands your dog has learned and how to reinforce good behavior. It’s important to practice these regularly and continue using the same techniques the trainer used. Keeping your dog mentally and physically active, providing positive reinforcement, and maintaining a routine will help preserve their skills. If challenges arise, Ragnar Defense offers ongoing support and can help you troubleshoot or refresh your dog’s training as needed.