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
May 30, 2025
Check Out CTV NEWS: National Service Dogs in proud to partner with Ottawa Police Service on the deployment of NSD Nelson! Nelson joins NSD West as the second member of…
May 27, 2025
NSD – Notice of Annual General Meeting We’d like to invite everyone to join us for our Annual General Meeting on June 18th from 6:30 – 7:15pm via Zoom! All…
May 23, 2025
Mark Your Calendars
Jun 17, 2025
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us for Doggie Patio Party on June 17 from 4–9 PM at Borealis Grille & Bar in support of…
Aug 24, 2025
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Join the Climb for Veterans Challenge to Support Veterans and First Responders living with PTSD. Together we will take on…
Jun 21, 2025
1:00 pm -
Fourth Annual Tim Silver Memorial Golf Tournament Saturday, June 21, 2025 Beaverdale Golf and Country Club Registration and Lunch at…