dogs in training
VIP Oscar
After an in-depth assessment, Oscar has been streamed to our very important pet program for health/behavioural reasons. He will now have the important job of providing love to his forever family. Special thanks go out to his puppy raisers for all their hard work.
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Lab x Golden Retriever
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: August 6, 2023
Sire: KSDS Fritter
Dam: SSD Sprint
Litter: O Litter
Volunteer Team: Pat & Bruce Ireland, Sarah Post
Fund My TrainingSponser Future NSD Puppies
Help Our Service Dogs Change Lives
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.
Oscar's Updates
February 2024
Oscar is a playful puppy and loves to be around his people, often found laying at someone’s feet. Oscar has come a long way and is eager to learn, picking up new skills quickly. He loves our outings to watch the kid’s sports and is always on his best behaviour.
October 2024
I got a job! My time as a “puppy in training” has come to an end and I found the perfect career path as a VIP (Very Important Pet). 'He is fitting into his new role as a VIP very well! He came with us on a camping trip this year and loved the water. We are excited to bring him on more family adventures and hoping to get him in a canoe. Oscar and our other dog Millie enjoy walks together and stealing each other's bones!'
Everything You Need to Know
Training
Volunteer
Apply
The flow of dogs through NSD’s Programs takes 0-2 years as follows:
- Step 1: Breeding Program
- Step 2: Volunteer Raiser Programs
- Step 3: Behavioural Assessments
- Step 4: University/College
- Step 5: Placement
The tireless efforts of our clients, staff, and volunteers allow our dogs in training to succeed, with social workers and mental health professionals present to ensure our entire process stays people-centric. After about 2 years of training and assessment, our NSD graduates are successfully placed in a client’s home.
Become a Puppy Raiser
Help raise a puppy into a life-changing Service Dog by providing love, training, and socialization until they are 14-16 months old.
Become an Adult Raiser
Help facilitate training and care for a Service Dog until they find their forever family. Polish the dog’s current skills and manners and test their abilities with a new handler as they enter a new environment.
Become a Carpool Driver
Transport Service Dogs with your car to their weekday training sessions. This volunteer role involves picking up NSD University/College dogs from their Adult Raiser’s home and bringing them to training in Kitchener/Cambridge.
Several factors determine the cost of a Service Dog.
Over their eight to ten year working life, Service Dogs are valued up to $50,000. However, each dog is provided free of charge to approved clients. All food and veterinary costs are borne by the client once the dog has been placed.
NSD receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations from the general public, corporate sponsors, fundraising events, and community supporters. We also host third-party fundraisers in support of our working dog teams.
Applications are on a referral basis. Please visit our program pages for more information.