Freedom Service Dogs
Pawsible PRO
Autism Assistance for Children, Mobility Service Dog, Multipurpose Service Dog, Service Dog (Veterans), Military Family Support Dog, Therapy Dog
Labs, Goldens, Lab/Golden Crosses
Assistance Dogs International
The organization provides:
Dog Food
General Vet Costs
Emergency Vet Costs
Flea/Tick and Heartworm Preventatives
Crate
All Equipment (Collars, Leashes, etc.)
Ear Cleaner
Treat Pouch
Vest
ID Tag(s)
Toys
Raisers pay for:
Brush
Bowl
Nail Clippers
Treats
If raisers are limited financially, FSD can provide additional supplies on a case by case basis (slow feeder, additional toys, grooming supplies).
Supplies & Financial
Assistance
The Basics:
Socialization, Grooming & Handling, Potty Training, House Manners, Loose Leash Walking, Basic Obedience Cues (Sit, Down, Stand, Stay, etc.), Self-Control around Distractions, & Public Access Behavior
Advanced Cues:
Possible
Training Responsibilities
Complete general volunteer onboarding
Application
Home inspection form
Background check
Hands on walking class
Puppy raiser specific onboarding
Three Zoom sessions: Program overview, Clicker training, Puppy handling
Auditing a puppy class
Process
Local raisers are required to attend one monthly session (class or outing), satellite raisers are required to submit a short video each month followed up by a 1 hour Zoom call, which goes over the video and items to work on. All raisers will be required to submit a 10 month Walk and Talk, as well as a 12 month Walk and Talk for satellite raisers.
Time Commitment
After 12 months of age
Neuter/Spay
Flat Collar
Gentle Leader/Head Collar
Training Equipment
FSD has a written manual along with a Puppy Raiser Resource Portal that is constantly being updated.
Training Guidance
Raisers are requested to return their dogs to the FSD campus typically around 16 months old. FSD occasionally provides transportation depending on the number of dogs returning and the raiser’s financial limitations. FSD holds an “in for training” celebration for the raisers and their puppies, complete with cake (for dogs and humans), a slideshow explaining the IFT process, updates on all the dogs in the puppy’s cohort, photo opportunities, and customized gifts for the raisers. Once the dogs return for formal training, raisers receive monthly updates from the dog’s trainer. If the dog is placed with a client, the raiser receives a phone call followed up by an email, an additional email with photos upon graduation, and a final update after the team has been home for a month or so.
Matriculation
Once puppies are ready to return to FSD for formal training, FSD holds a In for Training (IFT) celebration for raisers. When a client/dog team graduates, the client receives the contact information for their dog’s raiser and is encouraged to reach out. FSD also gives raisers the opportunity to send the Puppy Development team photos, toys, and updates to share with the client.
Graduation
Being a smaller program allows FSD to truly customize the puppy raising experience to fit the needs of each volunteer, client, and dog. Once puppies complete their on-campus nursery socialization, they are transferred to a local correctional facility where they spend two months learning basic cues and house behaviors. This program allows for FSD to place puppies with raisers at a slightly older age, better suiting many individuals who have more rigid work schedules and cannot devote the time for younger puppies. Dogs in for formal training go home with volunteer fosters on the weekend, during holidays, and any other times where their trainers are out for an extended period of time, minimizing kennel stress and allowing for more lengthy customized training.
Uniqueness
To gather the most up to date and accurate information about an organization it is best to contact them directly. Pawsible is not partnered with all listed organizations and does not formally endorse every listed organization.