FAQs (800) 975-5177

What is a Diabetic Alert Dog?

Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to alert diabetic owners in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous. That way their handlers can take steps to return their blood sugar to normal such as using glucose sweets or taking insulin. A Diabetic Alert Dog is specifically trained to react to the chemical change produced by blood sugar highs and lows. Diabetic Alert Dogs can provide emotional security and a sense of balance for individuals and for those who have loved ones with diabetes. They can help you lead a more confident and independent lifestyle.

How does a Diabetic Alert Dog work?

Our bodies are a unique makeup of organic chemicals - all of which have very specific smells. Low and high blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia/ hyperglycemia, release chemicals in the body that have a distinct odor that is undetectable by humans. Our training process positively motivates these dogs to alert when these odors are detected.

How does the process work for aquiring a Diabetic Alert Dog?

The first step in aquiring a Diabetic Alert Service Dog, is to fill out our free online application, located on the top right hand corner of our homepage. Within 48 hours of submitting your application, a representative will contact you. When you are ready to move forward with our program, we will E-mail you our Diabetic Alert Dog purchase agreement to review. Once you return the purchase agreement along with your deposit, the dog match process begins!

We will start with providing you with a specific dog match based on your requests, lifestyle, and personality. We will show you photos and biographies of dogs that meet our strict evaluations that are a good match for your lifestyle. Once you have selected your perfect match, we will provide you with an estimated timeframe for delivery and home lessons. A scent collection kit will be shipped to you containing everything you need in order to collect your high and low BG samples. That way we may use your specific scent to train your specific dog. Your new Diabetic Alert Dog will complete our world class training program and become a graduate of the best service dog training program in America. Lastly, a Certified Service Dog Trainer will personally deliver your new Diabetic Alert Dog to your home. We will work side-by-side with you for a minimum of two days. Our in-home delivery and home lessons help assure the transition process is as easy as possible. Our Certified Trainers will not leave your home until you are comfortable and ready to begin your life with a new servcie dog.

Can I take my dog into public places?

The Americans With Disabilities Act considers your Diabetic Alert Dog a service dog. A service dog is permitted by federal law to accompany you anywhere that you are entitled to go including, restaurants, stores, work places, schools, and other public places that pets are not normally allowed. For more information on U.S. service dog laws, please visit www.ADA.gov.

How much do Diabetic Alert Dogs cost?

The cost of your Diabetic Alert Dog may vary based on your individual needs. Your needs are outlined through our application process. Financial assistance and payment plans are available. We will tailor a financial arrangement to meet your specific needs. We believe that finances should not get in the way of your obtaining a Diabetic Alert Dog and ensuring your well-being.

How old are your dogs when they are placed?

This depends on the dog’s maturity level. We believe in waiting until our dogs are at least six months old to start our training program. We base age requirement on years of research which has showed us that young puppies prior to six months old are not capable of successfully completing an intensive service dog training program.

Can you train my family dog to be a certified Diabetic Alert Dog?

We understand the desire of wanting to train a personal pet for service work. We have several expectations as well as requirements when considering and evaluating a client's personal pet. Contact a Diabetic Alert Dogs of America Representative for further details.

How long does it take to get a dog?

The timeframe for home placement varies depending on the dog’s successful completion of our intensive training program. Our current average timeframe is approximately six months. Each dog works and learns at it's own pace, which ultimately factors into estimating a placement wait time.

What breeds of dogs are available?

There are several factors that go into choosing which dogs enter our program. We extensively evaluate our dogs based on these factors and not by breed alone. Therefore many different breeds may be available, please contact us for further details regarding breeds that qualify.

Do you provide a guarantee?

Our dogs come with a training guarantee for the entire working life of the dog. Our intensive training program is the best in the world and we are 100% confident that you will be satisfied with our training and service.

What is included with my dog?

All necessary equipment including: -service vest, -service dog identification card, -public service certificate, -training dog collar, -standard flat buckle dog collar, -coupler dog lead, -6ft standard dog lead, -bag of motivational dog treats, -sample bag of dog food, -dog training and information manual, -veterinarian records, -tote bag.

Do I have to live in a certain region or state in order to receive a Diabetic Alert Dog?

We place dogs in all 50 states and Canada.

Do I have to pick up my dog or travel for training?

Our all-inclusive pricing includes delivery to your home. We provide a minimum of two days in-home placement and transitional training. A trainer will provide you with advice and training on how to make the transition easy for both you and your dog. The trainer will accompany you throughout your daily routine making sure that you are completely comfortable in all aspects of your life. We will give presentations or demonstrations to friends/family, school, or the work place upon request.

What if I have questions after I receive my dog?

We pride ourselves on client satisfaction and are committed to your support throughout the entire lifetime of your dog. You will have access to our staff members, who will be able to answer all of your questions and assure that you are 100% satisfied.

Where do you get your dogs?

We use licensed breeders and select private party donations to acquire our new trainees. All our new recruits are put through an extensive evaluation period before ever entering our training program. We do not use "puppy mills" or pet stores to acquire our dogs.