FORTIS Alliance – Service Dog Program

Program Name
FORTIS Alliance Service Dog Program
Program Model
Readiness‑based, handler‑inclusive service dog development program
Scope
Task‑trained service dog development under federal ADA standards with state‑specific compliance for Georgia and Florida.

Foundational Legal Framework
Federal ADA Alignment
The FORTIS Alliance Service Dog Program operates under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which defines a service dog as a dog individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate a disability.
No certification, registration, license, or ID is required or issued
Program participation does not confer legal service dog status
Public access rights are determined by lawful task use, not training enrollment or completion
Service dog status is handler‑dependent and task‑based
Georgia and Florida Compliance
Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 30‑4‑2; § 16‑12‑37)
Knowingly misrepresenting a dog as a service animal may result in civil or criminal penalties.
Florida (F.S. § 413.08; § 817.265)
Fraudulent representation of a service animal is prohibited and enforceable by law.
FORTIS Alliance does not authorize or encourage any representation of a dog as a service animal unless the handler independently meets all legal requirements.

Program Philosophy
Core Principles
Ethical, humane training methods
Dog welfare and stress management
Readiness‑based progression rather than fixed timelines
Real‑world reliability over appearance or equipment
Transparency regarding limitations and outcomes
Active handler participation and accountability
Program Limitations
Not all dogs are suitable for service work
Progression timelines are estimates only
Advancement is contingent on demonstrated readiness
Completion does not guarantee lifelong suitability

Program Structure Overview
The program is divided into four progressive phases, each with defined goals and evaluation criteria. Advancement is determined by readiness, not duration.

Phase 1: Evaluation
Purpose
To assess whether a dog and handler are appropriate candidates for service dog development.
Assessment Areas
Basic obedience and response reliability
Temperament and environmental stability
Stress tolerance and recovery
Handler engagement and communication
Safety and suitability for public environments
Outcomes
Acceptance into the program
Recommendation for additional foundational work
Determination that service work is not appropriate
Timeframe
Single session (approximately one hour)

Phase 2: Foundation Training
Purpose
To establish consistent, reliable foundational behaviors and handler‑dog communication.
Training Focus
Core obedience behaviors
Engagement and focus around distractions
Impulse control
Neutral behavior around people, animals, and environments
Introduction to controlled public settings where appropriate
Handler Role
Active participation in training sessions
Consistent practice between sessions
Adherence to trainer guidance and safety protocols
Timeframe
Approximately 3 to 6 months (readiness‑based)

Phase 3: Development Training
Purpose
To develop disability‑mitigating task work and expand reliability in public environments.
Training Focus
Individualized task training based on handler needs
Task generalization across environments
Structured public access training in appropriate settings
Proofing behaviors against real‑world distractions
Public Access Considerations
Training in public settings does not automatically imply service dog status
Dogs may be trained in pet‑friendly or controlled environments until lawful criteria are met
Handlers remain responsible for lawful representation at all times
Timeframe
Approximately 6 to 12 months (readiness‑based)

Phase 4: Extended Training and Maintenance
Purpose
To refine reliability, address emerging challenges, and support long‑term success.
Training Focus
Advanced proofing and distraction resistance
Long‑term behavior maintenance
Addressing environmental or situational regressions
Continued task reliability support
Availability
Ongoing or as‑needed basis
Not required for all teams

Handler Responsibilities
Handlers participating in the FORTIS Alliance Service Dog Program agree to:
Maintain dog health, vaccinations, and preventive care
Follow humane training methods and program guidelines
Accurately represent their dog in public settings
Comply with federal, state, and local service animal laws
Accept responsibility for public behavior and access decisions

Program Rules and Conduct Standards
Dogs must be physically and behaviorally safe to participate
Unauthorized aversive tools are prohibited
Disruptive, unsafe, or unethical behavior may result in removal
Respectful conduct toward trainers, staff, and the public is required
Program participation may be paused or terminated at trainer discretion

Client Acknowledgments
Clients explicitly acknowledge that:
Training does not equal legal service dog designation
No certifications, IDs, or access guarantees are provided
Advancement is readiness‑based, not time‑based
Outcomes are not guaranteed
Misrepresentation of a service animal may result in legal penalties
FORTIS Alliance assumes no liability for handler misrepresentation or unlawful access

Ethical Commitment
FORTIS Alliance is committed to:
Protecting the integrity of legitimate service dog teams
Preventing service dog misrepresentation
Upholding humane, science‑based training standards
Supporting handlers through transparent education
Maintaining compliance with ADA, Georgia, and Florida law

Program Summary
The FORTIS Alliance Service Dog Program provides a structured, ethical pathway for developing reliable service dog teams while maintaining strict legal compliance and handler accountability. The program prioritizes readiness, welfare, and long‑term success over speed or appearance and does not confer legal status, certification, or guaranteed outcomes.