Resources / Mental Health
South Dakota Service Dogs
Rapid City 501(c)(3) that trains and pairs service dogs with veterans and first responders living with PTSD, trauma, or other disabling conditions, providing hands-on training, mentorship, and support to each handler-dog team; it also evaluates and trains a handler's own dog for service work.
- Cost
- Not stated as free on the org's own site — the site says it is "committed to keeping costs as low as possible for those we serve"
- Coverage
- Rapid City and the surrounding areas only — the org states its hands-on, in-person training model currently limits service to this area (South Dakota)
- Eligibility
- Veterans and first responders living with PTSD or related challenges; applicants must pass a background check and provide proof of military service (DD214 or valid military ID) or verify current/former first-responder status; applicants with their own dog need a dog at least 6 months old with basic obedience and current vaccinations.
- Availability
- Wait times for a dog provided by SDSD are currently extended due to limited availability and high demand; the org says applying with your own dog and requesting an evaluation is the fastest path into the program.
- Last Verified
- October 8, 2026
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