Our Services

Owner-Assisted Service Dog Training

A service dog is a dog trained to perform specific tasks which mitigate the symptoms of their handler’s disability. If you are looking to acquire and train your own service dog but need professional help and guidance, this option is for you.

  • Looking to train a dog you already own? We offer customized training to fit your needs at any stage of your current journey. Training a service dog of your own is a significant time, financial and emotional commitment. Have questions? We would be happy to meet with you to discuss specifics so you can decide if this is the right option for you.

    Consultations and meet-and-greet with your current dog are required before beginning any training.

  • Prelude staff is prepared to assist you in finding the right dog for the job prior to beginning any training. Whether your heart lies with rescuing or you are looking for a reputable service dog breeder, we can help walk alongside you. We also offer feedback on online dog listings, as well as virtual and in person dog assessments (rescue meet-and-greets, litter assessments, etc.)

Program Service Dogs

A service dog is a dog trained to perform specific tasks which mitigate the symptoms of their handler’s disability. A Program service dog is a dog that is fully trained by Prelude Assistance Dogs from the time of 7-9 weeks old until completion at roughly 2 to 2.5 years of age. These dogs are paired with disabled individuals at low or no cost.

  • Updated 9/14/2026 - Applications and Wait List currently closed

    Application process involves:

    1. Reaching out to us via contact form, call, text or email

    2. Filling out the application packet

    3. Acquiring character reference letters

    4. In person interviews for all members of your household

    5. Home inspection (can be done in combination with interview portion)

  • It costs Prelude Assistance Dogs approximately $23,000 - $26,000 to train and place one service dog from start to finish. However, this is not the cost that is passed on to individuals. The actual cost to the individual is based on a variety of factors such as financial ability, need, and fundraising means. On average, the cost that is passed on to the individual is $7,000.00, all of which is possible to be paid for via fundraising efforts, though some recipients do choose a long term, no interest payment plan instead.

    It is our goal to offer program service dogs at $0 to the individual in the future. As a small organization, we can’t do any of this without community support.

Therapy Dogs

A therapy dog is a dog trained to comfort and support others. Therapy dogs do not have public access rights to accompany a person into non-pet friendly places unless invited, such as to offer pet therapy to those in assisted living, visiting hospitals, etc.

  • Prelude has a team of volunteer therapy dogs consisting of owners and their personal dogs. Our therapy dog team is approved by the AKC. Each dog and owner has been evaluated and tested on the job and is covered under liability insurance. If you believe your dog would be a good candidate for therapy dog work and have questions about next steps, reach out to us about setting up a free consultation.

  • Prelude is proud to train facility or school resource dogs. These are therapy dogs trained to work full time in places such as care facilities, schools, or first responder quarters. If you or your facility have plans to train a resource dog, Prelude is here to help.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing

The AKC Canine Good Citizen test shows your dogs skills in basic obedience and soundness of temperament. Most therapy dog certifications, including ours, will require this as a prerequisite.

  • 6 week course designed for owners and their puppies to learn the basics of responsible dog guardianship and care, training and future CGC preparation

  • Preparatory group class designed to prepare you and your dog for to take the Canine Good Citizen Test.

  • Already feeling confident? Call to schedule today.

  • Call to inquire:

    • Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing or other litter assessments

    • AKC Trick Dog Titles or virtual home manners titles

    • AKC Therapy dog titling (must be an existing member of our team)

    • individual temperament assessments