Eligibility and Application Process

Haus Amberg Heroes Foundation, Inc. provides canine placement and support services to qualifying individuals who may benefit from the companionship, structure, confidence, and independence that can develop through a responsible relationship with a dog. All requests are reviewed individually based on eligibility, demonstrated need, readiness, available resources, and the Foundation’s current funding.

Who May Apply

Applications may be submitted by:

  • United States military veterans
  • Active-duty service members
  • Retired military personnel
  • Law-enforcement officers
  • Firefighters
  • Emergency medical personnel
  • Emergency dispatchers
  • Other qualifying first responders
  • Individuals with documented disabilities or significant personal needs
  • Immediate family members or legal representatives applying on behalf of an eligible individual

Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old. Applications for minors must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

Priority Consideration

Veterans, disabled veterans, first responders, and individuals experiencing physical, emotional, or daily-living challenges may receive priority consideration. Priority does not guarantee approval, financial assistance, or placement of a puppy.

The Foundation may also consider the applicant’s level of need, living situation, ability to care for a dog, access to training, previous dog-handling experience, family support, and the availability of a suitable canine match.

Documentation Required

Applicants may be asked to provide documentation supporting their identity, eligibility, living arrangements, and ability to care for a dog. Requested documentation may include:

  • A government-issued photo identification
  • Military discharge documentation, such as a DD Form 214
  • Proof of active-duty, veteran, law-enforcement, firefighter, emergency medical, or first-responder status
  • Disability documentation or a letter from a qualified healthcare professional when relevant
  • Proof of residence
  • Personal or professional references
  • Information about the applicant’s intended training program
  • Photographs or descriptions of the home, yard, fencing, and household environment

Applicants should remove or cover sensitive information that is not necessary for the Foundation’s review, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and unrelated medical information.

Assistance That May Be Available

Depending on eligibility, available funding, and program resources, the Foundation may provide or help coordinate:

  • Placement of a working-line German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois puppy
  • Puppy development guidance
  • Basic obedience and socialization support
  • Referrals to qualified canine trainers
  • Assistance with professional training expenses
  • Veterinary-care assistance
  • Vaccinations, microchipping, or preventive-care support
  • Training equipment
  • Crates, leashes, collars, food, and essential canine supplies
  • Transportation or delivery assistance
  • Educational resources for responsible dog ownership
  • Follow-up support after placement
  • Financial assistance for approved canine-related expenses

The Foundation does not guarantee that every approved applicant will receive every type of assistance listed above. Assistance may be provided directly, through reimbursement, through an approved vendor, or through a partner organization.

Application Review Process

Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s board, designated committee members, or authorized program representatives. The review process may include:

  1. An initial review for completeness and basic eligibility.
  2. Verification of submitted documentation.
  3. A telephone or video interview with the applicant.
  4. Review of the applicant’s household, schedule, experience, and support system.
  5. Evaluation of the applicant’s ability to meet the physical, financial, training, and long-term needs of the dog.
  6. Consideration of available puppies, temperament, training needs, and compatibility.
  7. A final decision by the Foundation or its authorized selection committee.

The Foundation may request additional information before making a decision. Incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading applications may be delayed or denied.

Important Notice

Foundation-placed dogs are not automatically certified service animals, therapy animals, emotional-support animals, law-enforcement canines, or protection dogs. Any specialized training, certification, access rights, or legal designation must be separately completed and verified in accordance with applicable laws and professional standards.

Applicants should not represent a dog as a trained service animal or working canine unless the dog has received the necessary training and meets all applicable requirements.

Applicant Category:

Veteran
Active-Duty Service Member
Retired Service Member
Other Eligible Hero

Military applicants may be asked to verify their status securely through ID.me or provide other acceptable documentation. Please do not upload Social Security numbers or unredacted sensitive identification documents.

Applicant Certification

By submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize Haus Amberg Heroes Foundation, Inc. to verify the information in this application and contact service providers or references when necessary.

I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee approval, that funding is subject to availability, and that the foundation may approve, deny, or partially fund a request at its discretion.