The Leadership and staff of National Service Dogs want to share that we are treating COVID-19 pandemic with seriousness, without unduly restricting the important work NSD is doing.
We have taken the opportunity over the past number of days to assess the risk to our clients, volunteers, staff, as well as our community. NSD has put the following in place to do our part in mitigating the spread of this illness.

To do this well, we will be limiting our amount of direct contact and practising social distancing.
Please note, the following status is subject to change as the situation unfolds (in consultation with Government recommendations):

Supporting our People
NSD is taking the following precautions in order to minimize the spread of illness, and to protect the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers, clients and supporters:
-Increasing the frequency of cleaning of multi-contact surfaces within our facilities;
-Giving staff the option to take time off, work remotely or self-isolate if they have been exposed or are showing symptoms;
-Implementing protocols within training programs that leashes and collars are only used by one handler

Client Support
NSD is committed to our clients and the support of our Service Dogs. If clients are in need of anything during this time, our Client Services team will be available through email, phone and Video conferencing. In emergency cases, we will assess the situation and make decisions on a case by case basis.

Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Onboarding (Info Sessions, Orientation and Home Interviews): These are suspended until further notice- We will continue to reassess the risk, the needs of our community and volunteers. Please check you emails regularly for updates from our Volunteer Coordinator, Lindsey, for ongoing information.

Weekly In Person Puppy Classes: These are suspended until further notice. Our Training Team and Volunteer Coordinator will be in contact directly regarding puppies and training and the support they will be providing to each of you.

Evening Enrichment Program: EEP will be suspended until further notice.
General Volunteering: All in office volunteering is suspended until further notice

Please check your email for ongoing updates from our Training Team and/or Volunteer Coordinator
*If you do not see an email, please be sure to check your junk folders.

Community Engagement
Upcoming Events: NSD’s annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs will be postponed until October 25th, 2020. We hope all planning to attend are able to make this new date, and will enjoy this year’s Halloween Hunt!

Community Engagement Events: Will not be accepting requests for future bookings until further notice. We will also be in touch with previously scheduled events, to reschedule.

Our Dogs
Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19.

NSD greatly appreciates the support and patience of our community during this challenging time,. We will inform of any updates as they unfold.