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Become A Client

At A Glance:

Retrieving Independence is invested in the success of every team we place. Our application process is designed to help determine whether our programs can meet your needs—and to give you the opportunity to decide if RI is the right fit. If you need help navigating your application process for a service dog, facility dog, or in home skilled companions, please reach out.

We currently train dogs to assist with a variety of needs in 3 primary roles, which are:

A yellow labrador retriever in a Retrieving Independence vest comforts their owner. Read more to find out how to get a service dog in Nashville.

Service Dogs:

Our Service Dogs support many conditions, including:

  • Mobility support
  • Medical alert and response (including diabetic and seizure conditions)
  • Mental and emotional health support, including PTSD and anxiety

Our service dog program primarily serves adults and qualified applicants age 14 and older.

Facility Dogs:

Facility Dogs are placed with professionals in environments such as schools, counseling centers, and healthcare settings. They are trained to assist with:

  • Providing comfort and emotional support through trained tasks
  • Supporting students, patients, or clients
  • Assisting professionals working with individuals who have experienced trauma
  • Offering a calm, steady presence in high-stress environments

In Home Skilled Companions:

For individuals who may not need a public-access service dog but would benefit from trained support in the home environment, we also place in-home skilled companions.

Not sure which type of partnership is right for you?

If you’re looking for support primarily in the home rather than in public settings, a In Home Skilled Companion may be a better fit. You can learn more about each option on their respective pages.

Please note:

We do not train dogs for hearing or vision support, and we are not able to work with individually owned dogs. For assistance with those needs, please visit the ADI directory to find accredited organizations that can help.

Who We Serve:

Are We A Good Match?

Successful applicants typically share these qualities:

  • A demonstrated need for the skills our dogs are trained to provide
  • The emotional and cognitive ability to participate fully in training and care for a dog
  • Reliable access to resources for housing, exercising, feeding, and providing medical care
  • A stable home environment and strong support system
  • Age 14–70, with cognitive ability equivalent to age 14 or older

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we still encourage you to reach out. We’re happy to help guide you through the process.

Priority service is to the state of Tennessee, and those within a 3 hour driving radius to Nashville.

A yellow labrador in a blue service dog vest sits on his back two legs with his tongue out. His paws are in his client's lap, who is just off-camera, while the client pets the dog.
Four plastic blue boxes are stacked on a stage. The contain letters that spell out "GRAD". A wooden stand is next to the boxes. The wooden stand is in the shape of a dog, and has a collage of dog photos within it. There are some golden decorations, stars, a banner, and sunflowers. There is also a decorative sign in the shape of a bone that says "Must Love Dogs".
A white labrador in a blue facility dog vest is pet by 4 children who are off-camera.
A young boy faces away from camera, wearing a backpack, pets a white labrador on the head. The dog is wearing a sunflower bandana.
A reddish golden labrador sits at a baseball game in the stands.
A man kneels in a grassy field. A white labrador stand with his paws and head on the man's shoulder. They are hugging each other.
A man and woman are looking at a white labrador who is laying under a table. The man is sitting in a chair and the woman is leaning over his shoulder. The man is petting the dog on the head.
Two women each walk a golden labrador in blue service dog vests on a sidewalk. They are in front of the Parthenon building.
A white labrador in a dog costume leans his head next to a person who is hugging him back.
A white labrador in a dog sweater with an alien face on it had his paws on the lap of a person sitting in a chair. They are in a school library.
A man in a bowtie sits in a wheelchair in front of a professional photo backdrop. A goldendoodle has its paws in his lap. The dog is wearing a "Cruella de Vil" costume, which has a dress with a fur collar and a black and white wig.
A yellow labrador lays on a carpet close to camera. He is wearing a lobster hat.
A white labrador wearing a leather walking harness assists a man down a set of stairs. The man is holding onto the railing with one hand and the dog's handle with the other hand. They are halfway through a step.
A woman kneels next to a yellow labrador wearing a christmas-themed scarf. They are posed in front of a christmas-themed professional photo backdrop.
A yellow labrador in a blue service dog vest sniffs two Titans' cheerleaders.They are smiling, looking at the dog and petting him. There is an American flag in the background, and blue and silver pom-poms.
A yellow labrador in a blue service dog vest sits in the stands overlooking the Titans' football field.
A man stands in a park with green trees and green leaves scattered all over the ground. He has a cane in one hand and is holding onto a harness attached to a dog in the other hand. The dog is a white labrador with a leather harness that has a sturdy handle attached.
A man stands in a park with green trees and green leaves scattered all over the ground. He has a cane in one hand and is holding onto a harness attached to a dog in the other hand. The dog is a white labrador with a leather harness that has a sturdy handle attached.
A yellow labrador in a blue service dog vest sits in the stands overlooking the Titans' football field.
A yellow labrador in a blue service dog vest sniffs two Titans' cheerleaders.They are smiling, looking at the dog and petting him. There is an American flag in the background, and blue and silver pom-poms.
A woman kneels next to a yellow labrador wearing a christmas-themed scarf. They are posed in front of a christmas-themed professional photo backdrop.
A white labrador wearing a leather walking harness assists a man down a set of stairs. The man is holding onto the railing with one hand and the dog's handle with the other hand. They are halfway through a step.
A man in a bowtie sits in a wheelchair in front of a professional photo backdrop. A goldendoodle has its paws in his lap. The dog is wearing a "Cruella de Vil" costume, which has a dress with a fur collar and a black and white wig.
Two women each walk a golden labrador in blue service dog vests on a sidewalk. They are in front of the Parthenon building.
A man and woman are looking at a white labrador who is laying under a table. The man is sitting in a chair and the woman is leaning over his shoulder. The man is petting the dog on the head.
A man kneels in a grassy field. A white labrador stand with his paws and head on the man's shoulder. They are hugging each other.
A reddish golden labrador sits at a baseball game in the stands.
A yellow labrador in a blue service dog vest sits on his back two legs with his tongue out. His paws are in his client's lap, who is just off-camera, while the client pets the dog.
Four plastic blue boxes are stacked on a stage. The contain letters that spell out "GRAD". A wooden stand is next to the boxes. The wooden stand is in the shape of a dog, and has a collage of dog photos within it. There are some golden decorations, stars, a banner, and sunflowers. There is also a decorative sign in the shape of a bone that says "Must Love Dogs".
A golden labrador in a pink service dog vest looks into camera. A sun beam is falling over his face.
A woman speaks to someone off-camera. At her feet, a golden lab in a blue service dog vest is laying down, looking at the camera.
A white labrador in a blue service dog vest lays on the lap of a person laying on a gurney.
A red golden retriever in an orange service dog vest is in the lap of a young man sitting in a chair. They are hugging each other, with the man's arms around the dog and the dog's head on his shoulder.

Service Dogs:

Definition:

A Service Dog is specially trained to assist one person by performing tasks that mitigate a disability and may accompany their handler in public spaces.

Key Characteristics:

  • Supports one individual
  • Performs trained tasks related to a disability
  • Has public access rights under the ADA
  • Trained to work in a wide range of public environments

Best fit for:

People who need assistance both at home and in public settings.

Ready to Apply?

If you primarily need support at home rather than in public spaces, consider a Skilled Companion.

Facility Dogs:

A yellow labrador lays on a carpet close to camera. He is wearing a lobster hat.
A white labrador in a dog sweater with an alien face on it had his paws on the lap of a person sitting in a chair. They are in a school library.
A white labrador in a dog costume leans his head next to a person who is hugging him back.
A white labrador in a blue facility dog vest is pet by four arms belonging to children off-camera.
A close up shot of a golden retriever with red/orange fur leaning his head into a person's leg while they pet his chin. His name tag is displayed and is a light blue octagon that says "Parker".
A golden retriever with reddish fur walks on a concrete surface. He is on leash, and his tongue is just barely poking out.
A woman is sitting on a carpeted floor, holding a microphone. She is petting a golden labrador who is wearing a blue service dog vest and laying on the floor.
A white labrador in a blue service dog vest sits on a big purple rug with numbers on it. The dog is in a classroom, with a big smile on his face.
A white labrador in a blue service dog vest sits next to a man sitting in a chair. The man is petting the dog.

Definition:

A Facility Dog is specially trained to assist many people in a professional setting through trained tasks.

Key Characteristics:

  • Works with a professional handler
  • Supports multiple people
  • Often placed in schools, counseling centers, hospitals, or similar settings
  • Provides comfort and structured support

Best fit for:

Organizations or professionals who want a dog to support clients, students, or patients.

Ready to Apply?
A white labrador sits on a sidewalk with dog booties on.
A white labrador is laying on a lounge chair next to a pool. She is a little wet and laying on a beach towel with her tongue out.
A golden labrador lays on a concrete surface and is pet by a person just off-camera.

In Home Skilled Companions:

Definition:

An In Home Skilled Companion Dog is trained to assist one person with disability-related tasks primarily in the home environment.

Key Characteristics:

  • Supports one individual
  • Performs tasks that mitigate a disability
  • Works primarily in the home
  • Does not have public access rights

Best fit for:

Individuals who need task support at home but do not require public access assistance.

Ready to Apply?

What To Expect:

Our Process:

Our application and placement process is designed to build strong, lasting partnerships. Every step is guided by care, clarity, and collaboration

The Timeline:

While every journey is different, most recipients can expect the following timeline and long-term support. Our structure is designed to not only build a strong foundation, but to ensure each team continues to meet ADA & ADI requirements for public access and maintain a high level of success together.

Our Process:

Step 1: Initial Application

Submit a short form to help us understand your needs and determine if we’re the right fit.

Step 2: Full Application Packet

If invited to continue, you’ll complete a detailed application, which includes:

  • Medical forms (self + doctor)
  • Personal and Professional References
    • Personal (a friend, teacher, non-family member)
    • Professional(therapist, social worker, teacher, employer or any other professional with whom you have contact)
  • Signed agreement
  • $200 Application fee

Step 3: Interview & Review

Qualifying applicants are invited to an in-person interview with our team. Following the interview, your application will be reviewed by our staff, with decisions typically shared within four weeks.

Step 4: Waitlist & Matching

If accepted, you’ll be placed on our waitlist while we begin the process of identifying a potential match based on your lifestyle and needs.

Step 5: Training Camp & Placement

Once a match is found, you’ll attend a 7-day training camp in Nashville to bond with your dog, learn handling techniques, and prepare for public access.

The Timeline:

Waitlist & Placement:

Waitlist Time:

Approximately 6 months to 2 years after acceptance, depending on match availability. This is an estimate and not a guarantee; some applicants may be matched sooner or later than this timeframe.

Training Camp:

  • 7-day, in-person experience at our Nashville facility
  • Includes classroom instruction, supervised outings, and a final certification test
  • Prepares recipients for handling their dog in public, reinforcing cues, and building trust

Our Process:

Step 6: Lifelong Support

After graduation, we remain committed to your success through structured check-ins, access testing, refresher sessions, and ongoing support.

The Timeline:

Year 1: Foundational Follow-Up

  • 2-Week Virtual Check-In
  • Monthly Virtual Check-Ins for 12 months
  • Monthly Written Reports (due within 1 week of each check-in)
  • In-Person Review Days at approximately 6 and 12 months

These steps help us support your transition, troubleshoot any early challenges, and ensure you’re on track with handling and care responsibilities.

Year 2 & Beyond: Maintaining Standards

  • Annual Written Reports
  • Annual Check-Ins (virtual or in-person)
  • Public Access Tests every 12–24 months, conducted by RI to evaluate real-world behavior, cues, and public readiness

Additional Support Offered:

  • Optional Refresher Courses available annually
  • Behavioral & Training Support available anytime post-placement
  • Resources, Updates, & Events shared regularly

How To Apply:

Ready to apply for a Retrieving Independence Dog? Start by filling out our short online application form, based on the role that is the best fit for you.

If you have questions about eligibility, cost, or the application process, we’re here to help.

Side-By-Side Comparison:

Want to learn more about Retrieving Independence’s dogs’ careers side-by-side?

Click below:

Learn More

Service Dogs:

Start Your Application:

In Home Skilled Companions:

Start Your Application:

Facility Dogs:

Start Your Application:

Have A Question?

Get In Touch:

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ADI Accreditation:

Retrieving Independence is an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited member, meeting internationally recognized standards for training, placement, and client care.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

At Retrieving Independence, we strive to live like our service dogs – we accept and value all people. To this do this, we follow these guiding principles:

  1. We commit to the equitable treatment of every staff member, volunteer, incarcerated handler, potential and current recipients, and of the broader community we serve.
  2. We commit to show respect and acceptance, with a focus on celebrating the unique perspectives we all bring to the organization.
  3. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals.
  4. We strive to eliminate discrimination in all its forms.
  5. We vow to use our voice to speak out against injustice and protect those who are under resourced, under-represented, and marginalized.

Clients may leave the process at any time for any reason.

Clients are not required to undertake any public relations activities or fundraising work.