Well, first off, I cannot speak to the laws in your state regarding service dogs, as I am Canadian. And I do not have experience with program dogs.But, in general you need to do one thing in order to have a service dog and that is have a permanent disability that is best mitigated (or helped) by having a service dog. If everything you can think of having a dog to do is easily done by something else ie medication reminders can be done by alarm clocks, mild static mobility support can be done by a cane, then you may not be best served by getting a service dog.However, if you feel your particular symptoms are best dealt with by getting a service dog thatu2019s great, they are truly life changing. I cannot speak to how to apply for one though. I did not get either of my dogs from a program, I trained them myself. This is why your state laws are relevant - because I do not know if service dogs in training have the same rights as fully trained dogs in California, and this can make training a service dog extra complicated.Assuming you go the program route, you will need to Google or otherwise research mobility service dog programs in and around your area and then contact them to discuss whether or not you meet their application criteria. From what Iu2019ve been told, most have very long wait lists though, so be prepared for that. You may also want to look into service dog groups on Facebook matching both type and location. Be aware that such groups can be very dramatic and judgey, but they can also be good sources of general info or at least someone to point you in the right direction.Most programs look at your physical ability to handle a dog, your understanding of their physical and emotional needs, your financial status in regards to care and your ability to commit to training to work with your dog and keep up their skills. Keep in mind, the dog may be free from a program but dogs need quality food, vet care, equipment to keep them safe and working, toys, supplements, insuranceu2026and the list goes on.Also, please Google the recommended ratios for mobility work for service dogs to familiarize yourself with the size of dog you would need if the dog is going to be doing weight bearing work such as wheelchair pulling, bracing and so on. My dog who is training now is too small to do weight bearing work but my needs are more geared to support with things I cannot due because of my mobility like bending. If you need a dog who can take your weight to help you stay up, help you up from a chair or help you up from a fall and help keep a wheelchair moving etc, they need to be big enough to handle that strain. This is one case where they type of dog you may want or have your heart set on may not be what is best to mitigate your issues.So yeah, while you also have the option of owner training, please do not think it is as simple as apply to program, get dog if you go the program route. There will likely be a wait even after you are accepted (assuming that you are, I cannot say for sure you would be as I do not know which program you have in mind or anything about your circumstances).Really, I guess my point is that having a service dog is about a lot more than just what you go through to get one. The one thing you absolutely need - the disability - is just the start. And no matter where you get the dog, something else to consider is whether or not you can handle public attention. If you navigate the world with a dog beside you, you are going to get attention whether you want it or not. I get comments and questions literally everytime I go out with my service dog in training. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME! You are not obligated to educate the public because you have a SD but that wonu2019t stop the public from wanting you to. And you may have the legal right to have your dog with you, but that wonu2019t stop ignorant business owners from refusing you entry or telling you to leave. If you are not comfortable dealing with the challenges that come with having a SD, then they may not be the best option for you. I am not trying to discourage you, but these are things I feel any potential handler needs to consider.Good luck!