About
Changing Lives Through Service
NSD has graduated 622+ certified service dog teams since 1996. We have helped organizations globally start their own Autism Programs, and have since launched 3 new programs: Certified Service Dogs for PTSD, Canine Assisted Intervention, and Skilled Companion Dogs.
How We Make a Difference
Our Mission
To empower people to achieve their full potential, with strategically trained, Certified Service Dogs as catalysts for restorative change.
Our Vision
To be Canada’s premiere service dog provider, pioneering change in the lives of Canadians benefiting from our services.
Staying True To NSD’s Purpose
Our Values
Always Collaborating
We continuously work with organizations, industries, governments, and entities to inform of the work we do.
Compassionate Caring
We bring our hearts and expertise to every conversation and solve problems with a “people-focused” approach.
Ethical Animal Treatment
We hold responsibility for the well-being of the dogs in our care for the length of their lives.
Innovative Spirit
We do things differently, with the pioneering spirit of our team allowing us to build endless possibilities.
Our History
The Journey of National Service Dogs
1996
Certified Service Dogs for Autism
When a determined parent sought a companion for their child, NSD pioneered the first Certified Service Dog program for Autism. The team gained attention from the media after very successfully partnering him with a black lab named Shade. The innovation and dedication of founders Heather and Chris Fowler and Danielle Forbes set the global standard for Autism Service Dogs.
2002
Companion Dog Services
To increase the ability to assist more families, NSD founded the Skilled Companion Dog Program to allow us to utilize over 70% of trained dogs. Skilled Companion Dogs provide emotional and mental health support for children (under age 18) with a variety of challenges.
2005-2006
Awards and Recognition
We were the proud recipient of the R.L. Petersen Award for Non-Profit Innovation in 2005. Chris and Heather Fowler and Danielle Forbes also received the Gerry Bloomfield Award presented by Autism Ontario that year. In 2006, NSD received the Cambridge Mayor’s Award for Work Place Training and Development.
2011
Certified Service Dogs for PTSD
A comprehensive program to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder was researched and developed through 2010. This allowed us to launch the first ever Canadian Service Dogs for PTSD Program in 2011, which was later opened to first responders with PTSD.
2013
Canine Assisted Intervention
Our first Canine Assisted Intervention (CAI) dog was placed in 2013, making ours the first CAI program in Ontario, and one of only three in Canada. The dogs are partnered with professionals from a variety of disciplines to work as partners in their therapy, to address mental health and wellness in our community.
Now
National Service Dogs
Founded on innovation, we are proud of our pioneering contributions to the service dog community. Everyone at NSD is dedicated to expanding the National Service Dog family of clients and quality of services: One Individual, One Dog, and One Life at a Time.
SUCCESS STORIES
I Feel A True Happiness That I Never Believed I Would Ever Feel Again
To say that NSD Lynx has been a life saver seems like a tremendous understatement; my life and my whole family’s life has changed so much.
I have a new, manageable life with my wife and my son that I never dreamed would be possible, let alone dared to imagine, before receiving this wonderful gift. Today with the help of NSD Lynx, my family and I “LIVE” with PTSD, we no longer “SUFFER” from it.
Lawrence
PTSD Service Dogs
SUCCESS STORIES
So Many New Firsts Experienced, I Can Hardly Keep Track!
NSD Clover has changed our life and the entire way Kyle functions in only 7 short months. The happiness, self confidence, courage, social, language and communication strides she has helped Kyle make are truly immeasurable. He has EXPLODED in his development as of late.
We are forever grateful for the compassion, empathy and guardianship NSD Clover loves and shares with Kyle. She is truly magic in a dog! We could not imagine living life without her. She is truly a beloved member of our family.
The Jenkinson Family
Autism Service Dogs
SUCCESS STORIES
He Has Had An Impact From Day One
NSD Uno is brilliant! He has settled in wonderfully to his job with me, and is also happily adjusted to our home life. He’s out working daily with a variety of students. If I could tell you how positive an effect Uno is having, it would take up a lifetime.
Including CAI Dogs in therapy provides patients with the ability to open up and speak out and participate in ways they were not able to when the dog was not present.
Liisa, SEED Education Strategies & Solutions
CAI Facility Dogs
SUCCESS STORIES
A Dog With A Heart That Connects Beyond Words
Sammy is an amazing beautiful dog with a heart that connects beyond words. Last night was the easiest night I have ever had to put my boys to sleep. Usually, it can take up to 2 hours before they can settle enough to sleep (it has taken me 3 hours when they were younger!), and that is already after being in their bedroom!
Yesterday they were under their blankets, and Sammy was right between them, giving love! With joy in all our hearts, we started saying goodnight, then goodnight moon (from the book), “goodnight Sammy,” then sleep and quiet snoring!
Ose
Skilled Companion Dogs
Help Us Bridge the Gap
Each of our dogs is provided to those in need, free of charge. Help support our mission by donating today.
Donate Today