FAQ
Have questions about Semper K9 or our service dog program? Explore the FAQs below to learn more about our mission, training process, and how you can get involved.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
When was Semper K9 founded?
Semper K9 was founded in November 2014 by Chrisopther and Amanda Baity. We adopted our first Service Dog candidate ‘Norman’ in February 2015.
Who does Semper K9 Assistance Dogs help?
Semper K9 assists active duty and veterans of the US Armed Forces and their families. Veterans and eligible dependents can apply above.
How do I apply for a service dog?
There is an ‘Apply For A Service Dog’ button at the top of this page. That takes you to the application request form. You will receive a formal application via email within 5-7 days if eligible.
How do I get involved with Semper K9?
Semper K9 has plenty of volunteer opportunities. To contact our volunteer coordinators, please click HERE to complete our intake form.
How can I make a monetary donation?
If you would like to donate to our mission or one of our programs, click HERE. Donations can be made via mail to:
Semper K9 Assistance Dogs
PO Box 451
Quantico, VA 22134
Can I make an anonymous donation?
Yes, you can. You can contact us at info@semperk9.org for more information about making an anonymous donation. You can also donate anonymously online, click HERE. Anonymous donations can be made via mail to:
Semper K9 Assistance Dogs
PO Box 451
Quantico, VA 22134
Can I donate goods or services?
Email us at info@semperk9.org or complete the contact form HERE.
GETTING INVOLVED
What is a K9 Coach?
A K9 Coach is a person or family that has made the commitment to volunteer their time to raise and train a future service dog for Semper K9. The commitment involves having the dog in your home full time, attending weekly training sessions and introducing the service dog-in-training to many different environments in preparation for transition to their veteran. There is no monetary commitment to being a K9 Coach and no previous dog training experience is required.
How do I volunteer as a K9 coach?
We are always accepting new K9 coaches to help us train our service dog candidates. A K9 Coach applicant will need to attend 12 weeks of instruction and training classes. As K9 Coach you will be expected to offer a 12-14 month commitment as either a full-time or co-coach for a service dog-in-training. To contact our volunteer coordinators, please CLICK HERE to complete our intake form.
Where is Camp Semper K9 located?
We have a 33-acre campus adjacent to MCB Quantico in Catlett, which will be our permanent home as soon as construction is complete.
Training of our service dogs-in-training is conducted in 3 main locations:
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Semper K9 facility
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K9 Coach’s home
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Public places around the community
How many Service Dogs candidates enter training each year?
Typically, Semper K9 evaluates over 100 candidates each year. Depending on the availability of candidates we accept 10-15 new dogs into our program each year.
Where do the Service Dog candidates come from?
Semper K9 does not have a breeding program. Our mission includes the use of rescue dogs. We use multiple local rescue resources and look at other rescues and shelters when trying to find a perfect match for one of our veterans. We are also provided purebred dogs that are donated to us by members of the community who want to give back to our veterans.
How long does it take to train a Semper K9 Service Dog?
Our service dogs begin training the day they are accepted into our program. If they are young puppies, they will be in training longer than an older dog we adopt. Typically, our service dogs graduate at the age of 12-18 months.
What are common breeds of dogs trained by Semper K9?
We treat every candidate we evaluate indifferently. The majority of dogs that are in our program are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrivers or cross-breeds of those.
How much does a Service Dog cost to train?
It costs an average of $20,000 to train each service dog in our program and an additional $5,000 to complete their training alongside their veteran partner. As a nonprofit organization providing these life-changing dogs at no cost to veterans or their families, we rely on the generosity of grants, fundraisers, and private donations to make this mission possible.
Who trains Semper K9 Service Dogs?
All our Service Dogs are trained and supervised by our Director of K9 Programs, Christopher Baity. Also our founder and Executive Director, Baity is a formally trained Marine Corps working dog handler, trainer, and instructor. Our training staff and approved inmates in our programs with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, along with volunteer K9 Coaches, also train our dogs.
APPLYING FOR A SERVICE DOG
What is a Mental Health Mobility Service Dog?
A mental health mobility service dog is a term we use to reference Psychiatric/Mobility Service Dogs. This is a category that many veterans and their service dogs could be grouped into. Usually, these dogs provide a combination of psychiatric alert and mobility tasks.
I have a dog, can it be trained as a Service Dog?
While we will evaluate and determine the eligibility for your family pet, all service dog candidates require an intense and strenuous training routine and regiment. Semper K9 offers maintenance training on family/companion pets to determine their candidacy as your Service Dog. Apply to our maintenance training program HERE.
What specifically are some of the things service dogs do?
Semper K9 provides Mental Health Mobility Service Dogs, trained to support veterans with both physical and psychological challenges. These dogs can perform tasks such as interrupting anxiety or night terrors, retrieving medication, providing deep pressure therapy, and offering balance or mobility assistance—helping their veteran regain confidence and independence.
If I am active duty, can I still apply for a service dog?
If you meet the eligibility requirements then you can apply regardless if you are active duty, retired, medically retired, etc. Active-duty personnel are required to have command approval prior to application acceptance.
As a Veteran, what happens if I’m accepted into the program?
After reviewing your application, you will be contacted by a Semper K9 representative with your acceptance email and the next steps, which include a background check, and scheduling a video-consultation where you can ask more questions and get a realistic timeline on when you will begin training.
How do I tell my employer about my service dog application?
It is always important to be practice proactive communication with your employer. They are expected to allow ‘Reasonable Accommodations’ to all of their employees. During your instructional period after acceptance into the program, you will be advised on submitting an official notification to your employer about your future needs.
I do not have PTSD, am I eligible for a Service Dog?
Semper K9 provides Mental Health Mobility Service Dogs primarily for PTSD, MST & TBI as well as to veterans who have mobility challenges.
I am applying for a Service Dog but I have dogs in my home. Am I still eligible?
All family dynamics are different with respect to current pets. This will need to be something you address with one of our trainers.
Do I need a doctor’s letter/prescription for a Service Dog?
One of the requirements for our program is a form completed by your medical team. We need to ensure that having a service dog is part of your treatment plan. Most other organizations require this as well and it could be requested when traveling by plane.
What are the training standards for certifying Semper K9 Service Dogs?
All Semper K9 Service Dogs are required to meet all ADA requirements. This includes but is not limited to AKC Canine Good Citizen, Public Access certification and Task Training. As a founding member organization of the Association of Service Dog Providers, we also adhere to their national training standards.
How do I talk my spouse into applying for a service dog?
We encourage anyone eligible for a service dog to apply. However, receiving and working with a service dog ultimately is a personal decision for the individual. Please speak with your medical team about the goals of your treatment plan.
If you have further questions, please click the button below to contact us.