Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of one of your service dogs?
Wilderwood’s cost per dog is $10,000. Our families have raised this money in many ways through fundraising activities, donations from family members, corporate gifts and matching programs, grants and much more. We are willing to help our families plan their fundraising efforts and guide them as they work toward their financial goals.

What are the criteria for receiving one of your service dogs?
The individual must be under the care of a licensed MD or Psychiatrist and receiving current treatment for a recognized neurological diagnosis.

Some examples are (but not limited to):

All Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Aspergers, etc.)

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Psychiatric Diagnosis

Brain Injury

Dementia

Alzheimer

Stroke

Where are you located?
Wilderwood is located in Maryville, Tennessee.

We are:

3 hours east of Nashville, TN

5 hours west of Charlotte, NC

3 hours south of Lexington, KY

3 hours northwest of Atlanta, GA

How do I pick up my dog once one has been trained for me?
Each client and his/her caregiver must come to Maryville, TN for a seven day long training camp. Travel expenses will be paid by the client.

How do I get an application?
To receive applications call us at 865-660-0095 and talk to one of our trained staff members. Or download our online adult or child application and collect all the required information.

How long will it take to get my service dog?
Wilderwood trains its dogs from puppy hood. We train each dog specific to each client. For this reason the waiting list is a year to a year and a half. Most OTHER organizations' waiting lists are 2-5 years!

What type of dogs do you use?
Wilderwood uses a combination of rescue dogs, owner surrendered dogs and AKC registered dogs. 70% of our dogs are rescue or owners surrenders. 30% of our dogs are AKC registered. We use a variety of breeds and size of dogs to meet the individual needs of our clients.

What are the age limits of an applicant?
Provided there are caregivers involved Wilderwood will place a service dog from ages four and up.

If I live in an apartment can I still have a service dog?
Provided there is adequate room and the financial means to continue the care of the dog, our dogs can be placed in almost any living situation. Fenced backyards are a HUGE plus and convenience, but are not required.

Where can your service dogs go?
Our dogs are certified working service animals. They are protected under the ADA and are allowed in any and all public venues, including schools.

Is there a fee associated with Graduation?
Each family is responsible for their travel expenses, hotel expenses and food expenses for the 7 days you will be in Tennessee for graduation.