Start with verification: confirm 501(c)(3) status in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, look for accreditation by Assistance Dogs International, and review the organization's Form 990 filings to see how donated money is actually spent. Reputable programs describe their training methods, placement criteria, and wait times openly and in writing.
Ask about the length of team training, follow-up support after placement, retraining policies, and what happens if a placement fails. Programs serving veterans should explain how they assess PTSD-related task needs. Be cautious of any provider that guarantees outcomes, skips in-person training, or sells documentation as a substitute for training.