Trainer Financial Aid

We understand that access to quality dog training education is a privilege that has not been made accessible to all. Through our Trainer Academy, we strive to increase the pool of ethical and knowledgable service dog trainers available to work with disabled individuals and their dogs.

Atlas offers financial aid opportunities for disabled dog trainers as well as trainers identifying as part of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community, and are continuously looking to expand our available financial aid opportunities for more trainers who would benefit.

For all financial aid, the first step in the process is to submit your application and reference letters for the Trainer Certification program. In addition to your trainer application, you will turn in the Financial Aid application, found at the bottom of this page. 

 

Disabled Trainers

Person in a wheelchair wearing a colorful tie-dye hoodie, navy pants, and sunglasses smiles and points down at a seated curly-haired dog on a grassy sidewalk. A house with plants is in the background.

Financial aid available: Up to $500 

Criteria to meet:

  • The trainer meets all requirements needed to enter Atlas’ Trainer Academy
  • The trainer identifies as disabled
  • The trainer indicates that the program cost represents a financial burden to them 

BIPOC Trainers

A person wearing a mask and casual clothes stands on grass beside a black dog and a chair. The person holds a leash and looks at the dog, surrounded by greenery in a backyard setting.

Financial aid available: Up to $500 

Criteria to meet:

  • The trainer meets all requirements needed to enter Atlas’ Trainer Academy
  • The trainer identifies as a member of the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) community
  • The trainer indicates that the program cost represents a financial burden to them 

Once we receive an application fitting one of the above scenarios, we review the application for a scholarship. 

We take the applicant at their word: if they identify as a member of the BIPOC community, we believe them. We also do not verify financial ability or disability status. 

Financial aid can only be allocated to trainers once they have been interviewed and accepted into the program. This means that all applicants will be responsible for the $50 application fee. 

During your interview, you will have the opportunity to discuss more payment plan options. Please review the Trainer Academy page for details about the general application, interview, and payment process.

We evaluate all financial aid asks on a first come, first serve basis.

Apply for Financial Aid

To help more people benefit from our services at reduced cost, please consider a donation today. You are welcome to contribute to a specific financial aid fund of your choosing.

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