Application Received!

Autism Service Dog -
Application Received!

Thank you for submitting your application for a BluePath autism service dog. We truly appreciate the time and care that goes into completing this process.

Our Admissions Team will review your completed application and supporting documentation in accordance with our published eligibility criteria. If any additional information is needed, we will contact you by email. Application reviews are typically completed within 6-8 weeks of receiving all required materials.

Below is an overview of our program and the admissions process to help you understand what to expect.

About Our Dogs
BluePath service dogs are purpose-bred Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador/Golden crosses selected for the health, temperament, and working ability required of service dogs. They are raised by trained volunteer puppy raisers and later complete advanced task training with our professional staff.

Our service dogs are trained in specialized tasks to enhance safety and support community access for children with autism, including elopement prevention and public safety skills. While companionship is a natural benefit, placement decisions are based on task work, safety considerations, and overall program suitability.

Admissions & Evaluation Process

  1. Application Review
    Applications are reviewed to ensure eligibility requirements are met, including confirmed ASD diagnosis, appropriate age range, and demonstrated ability to care for a service dog.
  2. Virtual Interview
    Eligible families are invited to participate in a virtual interview (approximately one hour). All legal guardians are required to attend. This conversation allows us to learn more about your family’s routines and needs and to provide education about service dog placement.
  3. Video Submission
    Families will be asked to submit two short videos (15–20 minutes each) in an indoor and outdoor community setting. These assist us in assessing safety, mobility, and environmental factors relevant to placement. Videos should be submitted within four months of request unless otherwise approved.
  4. Home Visit
    If appropriate, a home visit will be scheduled. This includes structured observation and interaction with a trained dog to evaluate handling, safety, and overall suitability. Dogs brought to the visit are not necessarily prospective matches.

Following the visit, the Admissions Committee reviews documented findings and communicates the decision in writing.

Acceptance & Waitlist

Families accepted into the program receive written confirmation and are placed on the waitlist. Because wait times may range from approximately 9 months to 2 years, a re-evaluation visit is required prior to placement to confirm continued eligibility and readiness.

As part of the final assessment process, BluePath will conduct a 3–5 day Family Preparation Visit experience. During this time, the dog remains the property of BluePath and the experience is evaluative in nature. Participation does not guarantee placement.

If both your family and BluePath determine that placement remains appropriate, we will begin identifying a potential match based on documented criteria and each dog’s temperament and skills.

Parent Training & Placement

Once a dog has been formally matched and approved by our Placement Committee, a five-day/four-night Parent Training session will be scheduled at our Wappingers Falls, NY location. At least one legal guardian is required to attend the full training.

After successful completion of training, you will return home with your dog, and our staff will conduct in-home training and follow-up support. Ongoing follow-up is provided in accordance with ADI standards and BluePath policy.

Important Information

  • Families may withdraw from the admissions process at any time.
  • BluePath does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or socioeconomic status.
  • Written information regarding program fees, fundraising expectations (if applicable), and training-related travel expenses is provided prior to acceptance.
  • Our Complaint and Appeals Policy will be included in the email to schedule a virtual interview and is also available upon your request.

If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact us by email, phone, or text at 845-377-0477. We are here to support you as you explore whether a service dog is the right fit for your family.

Warmly,
Justine DiNapoli, Manager of Canine Programs and Admissions

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