​RETIREMENT OF YOUR DOG

​All service dogs must retire at some point. Med-Dogs has not set an age to retire a dog from the program. However, most will work until they are 8 or 10 years old. Each service dog team has a special relationship and the Med-Dogs team will support you through the retirement process. Typically, the reason for retirement will be because your dog is no longer as alert or for health reasons.

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When it comes time for your service dog to retire, emotions run high and it is a difficult time for the handler. Our team will help you through the various stages of retirement in order to ease the transition.

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The retired service dog can stay with the handler, go live with the handler's family or friends, or be adopted by members of the community. In all cases, Med-Dogs will do everything possible to find the best environment for him.

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Contact us as soon as you feel that your service dog is becoming less alert, or if you think it is time to talk about retirement.

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When you are looking to retiring your service dog, you can register for a new service dog. Of course, you will never be able to replace your current service dog, but you will be able to embark on a new adventure with a new companion.