Now Accepting Preliminary Applications

SMSD serves Veterans and First Responders with physical disabilities where canine mobility assistance is appropriate.

Physical disabilities might include:

• Loss of limb
• Injuries affecting mobility or stability
• Systemic disabilities due to exposure to toxic substances
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

SMSD does NOT train dogs for:

• PTSD unless the veteran or first responder has a physical disability that is appropriate for service dog assistance like balance assistance while walking, picking up dropped items, et cetera
• Seizure alert or response
• Diabetic alert
• Guide dogs for sight issues
• General disabilities

Our normal service area is a 350-mile radius or an approximate six-hour drive from Knoxville, Tennessee. SMSD serves the entire state of Tennessee and portions of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia regionally. Please note that we do have the ability to OVERRIDE the service area with SMSD board approval when the applicant meets the application criteria and is approved by the SMSD application team. For more information about our application process and how we operate, please read the frequently asked questions.

Confidentiality Agreement

Client Expectations

SMSD Grievance policy

All applicants must agree to a background check.  A felony conviction or a conviction of a crime of domestic violence or animal abuse will result in disqualification.  All other offenses will be evaluated based on their nature, severity, and recency.