Five of 16 professional service dogs graduating in 2008. Congratulations!

About FSD

Our Mission
Freedom Service Dogs (FSD) is a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs from shelters and custom trains them to assist people with disabilities, providing lifetime support to ensure the success of the team and increasing the independence, endurance, and peace of mind of our clients.

Our History
FSD was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization by Mike and P.J. Roche. Both Mike and P.J. were active with Assistance Dogs International (ADI) when the assistance dog industry was in its infancy. The Roche’s worked diligently to transform FSD from a two person “mom and pop shop” to an organization that stands on its own merits. Since its inception, FSD has successfully paired more than 100 client-service dog teams in Colorado.

The FSD Difference

• Rescues dogs – FSD rescues and trains only unwanted and abandoned dogs, helping solve the pet overpopulation problem. There is no puppy-raising program. We turn “throw-aways” into superstars!
• Custom trains – FSD matches dogs to their new partner and custom trains the dog to do the specific tasks required by each individual.
• Provides hands-on support – FSD visits our clients in their homes, offices, and schools to introduce the service dog and to help maintain a successful team.
• Maximizes your donation – FSD ensures 85¢ of every dollar spent goes directly toward program expenses.
• Teaches dogs to work with a wag – FSD uses positive reinforcement – treats, praise, petting – to shape play behaviors (retrieve, tug, paw, touch) into helpful tasks. We love to see tails wagging while “working.”

General Information
FSD is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and has passed an on-site inspection to assure that we meet ADI standards for assistance dog training. ADI is a non-profit organization that sets and promotes standards and ethics for assistance dog training organizations around the world. They are on the web at: www.adionline.org.

FSD is the only voting member of the ADI service-dog training organization headquartered in Colorado, with placement classes in the Denver Metro area (Englewood).

FSD educates the public to increase their awareness of disabilities. FSD informs the public about the rights and etiquette for all assistance dogs.

FSD Board of Directors

FSD Privacy Notice

FSD Annual Report

Quick Links
Use the links below to quickly access/download frequently requested information.

Client Application - Download PDF

Adoption Application - Download PDF

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