Support NSD today and make a forever impact on those in need of a life-changing partnership.
Our Programs
622
Dogs Placed
39,384
Lives Empowered
335,468
Annual Volunteer Hours
Our Process
Step 1: Breeding Program
Access to healthy, temperamentally-sound puppies that will have a long working career as service dogs starts with breeding. This program is the heart of our dog development. NSD standards ensure we accept the best breeders who are held to high health and temperament requirements.
Step 2: Volunteer Raisers
Our puppies are confidently sent from NSD’s Breeding Program to our amazing Volunteer Raiser Programs. Here, our Puppy Raisers and Adult Raisers provide them with care, training, house manners, socialization, and exposure to new people, places, and experiences.
Step 3: Behavioural Assessments
Evaluating an NSD puppy’s reactions to its environment is important for creating a plan for its future. At this stage, the dogs are assessed for their responses to interactions with people and various stimuli such as physical contact, noises, and objects.
Step 4: Customized Skills Training
Dogs who are deemed suitable are admitted to a full-time training program with NSD trainers, Monday through Friday. Here, they are trained and evaluated to see what program they are best suited for: Autism, PTSD, CAI, Skilled Companion, or VIP.
Step 5: Placement
The tireless efforts of our staff, and volunteers allow our dogs in training to succeed, with social workers and mental health professionals present to ensure our process stays people-centric. After about 2 years of training and assessment, our NSD graduates are successfully partnered with a client.
Dogs in Training
NeoLife means “New Life”. This Labrador Retriever was named by her currently puppy raiser, who she is now with. She is being taught essential cues and house manners that will enable her to adapt to any social situation with ease and confidence.
All of the training and care provided to each dog would not be possible without the support of generous volunteers and donors.
Meet Our Service DogsGet Involved
Donate
At NSD, we do not receive any government funding to support our mission. Instead, we rely entirely on the generous support of individual donors, community partners, corporate sponsors, service clubs, and through annual fundraising events.
Help us empower people to achieve their full potential. Show your support and donate today.
Volunteer
NSD would not exist without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers. Their commitment to our mission and the individuals we serve is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have them as part of our family.
If you are interested in joining our outstanding team of volunteers, we encourage you to submit an application.
Stay Informed
November 20, 2024
People who love dogs have an opportunity to take care of a puppy for free, while also making a difference in someone else’s life. National Service Dogs is looking for…
November 4, 2024
At NSD, our mission is to empower people to achieve their full potential with Certified Service Dogs as catalysts for restorative change. Each day, we witness firsthand the profound impact…
November 1, 2024
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras Volunteering with NSD is not just a commitment– it’s an opportunity to make a real…
Mark Your Calendars
Nov 16, 2024
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Nov 23, 2024
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Dec 03, 2024
12:00 am - 11:00 pm
Giving Tuesday is around the corner! We operate without any government funding and rely solely on the generosity of individuals,…