What to Expect
Your life-saving companion
Meet Halo, our newest recruit came from a shelter at 7 weeks old. She will be placed with Lynn spring 2027.
What Can I Expect from LoneStar Diabetic Alert Dogs LLC?
With our diabetic alert service dogs, you'll have a four-legged medical assistant. Our dogs are trained to detect low and high blood sugar levels in humans, allowing the handler to take medications and necessary actions to address the situation.
Our dogs are trained to detect the scent of the chemical reaction during hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. They can also provide emotional security to diabetic patients.
These dogs not only alert the patient of an impending sugar level imbalance — they also help patients have a better quality of life through companionship and emotional support. Our alert dogs aren't only service canines; they are companions for life. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
From Inquiry to Graduation
Submit Your Inquiry
Complete our online inquiry form. Please be sure to complete all questions thoroughly. Upon receipt of your inquiry, we will email you the full application. The application MUST be completed by the diabetic (with exception of financial info.) If it is a child under the age of 12, the parent/guardian can complete all except the story section. We want to be sure to hear things from their perspective. Parents are welcome to include their story as well. All helps us to get a total picture of your family and choose the right dog.
Application Review
Our team reviews your application and reaches out to schedule a phone consultation. We want to make sure a diabetic alert dog is the right match for you. This can take up to 2 weeks so please be patient. We take all applications on a first come, first served basis. Please note we do check references including veterinarian and will possibly schedule a home visit.
Phone Interview
We will discuss your application and review questions that we have about it. We will also discuss finances with the appropriate party. Finances are not discussed prior to this step. Then we give you time to ask any questions you will have. Please write them down beforehand so you do not forget. Children under the age of 18: We will be speaking to child and parent at this time. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Please prepare in advance with a quiet space and questions ready.
Meet & Greet, Finances and Contracts
We require all members of the household to come visit us and get to know each other. We will make sure it fits within your busy schedule. Weekends are okay. At this time we will be sure it is a good fit for all parties involved and if so, we will execute a deposit agreement and contract. The contract sets out the expectations of all parties to protect you and LSDAD. We take cash and checks filled out to LoneStar Diabetic Alert Dogs, LLC or LSDAD. Sorry, we do not take credit cards; however, we do work out payment plans at 0% interest.
Dog Selection & Training
Once accepted, we begin matching you with a dog suited to your needs. Each dog undergoes intensive scent training using real diabetic samples — both frozen and live. The selection includes taking into consideration the needs and lifestyle of the diabetic as well as the temperament and needs of the dog. We may have one here already started or may have to begin with a new puppy. We work with the diabetic to make these decisions but ultimately, it is up to LSDAD Staff.
Handler Training
The diabetic and the family will receive hands-on training so you know exactly how to work with your dog, reinforce alerts, and build a strong bond. We will be asking for scent samples and explain how to collect them and provide them to us. There is no timeframe to this as our goal is to be sure both dog and handler are confident with all aspects and working well together to be the best team possible! Our preference is weekly, however we work with your schedule as best we can.
Home Visits with Your DAD
As we progress with the training, LSDAD Staff will decide when it is a good time to start having the diabetic take the dog home for weekend (sometimes week-long) visits. During this time the handler is given homework that must be completed and returned to us with the dog. This helps us know what the handler and/or the dog may need a little more training on.
Placement & Ongoing Support
GRADUATION — You meet with staff to go over your graduation paperwork and take your graduation photo. Don't worry, by this time you are both fully prepared; we just like sending you home with extra information and additional veterinary advice. Your dog comes home with you. We remain available for follow-up support to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for the life of the dog.
LoneStar Diabetic Alert Dogs LLC's mission is to ease the burden of those challenged with Diabetes by connecting individuals with affordable diabetic alert service dogs. We are passionate about improving quality of life through encouraging independence and creating companionship.
Inquire Today