ADOPT A CAREER-CHANGE DOG
Who are our adoptable dogs?
Not every dog or puppy in our program will become a fully trained service dog. Those that prefer a different career path enter our adoption program so that we can find them loving homes. Dogs may be released from our training program because they:
- may not have the qualifications to become a service dog
- may be timid, easily distracted, or unable to resist chasing the occasional squirrel
- have X-rays or eye exams indicating they cannot complete service dog certification
- may require advanced behavior modification.
All dogs that come through our doors receive a second chance at finding their calling in life, whether it’s as a service dog, a family pet, a hiking companion, or a lap warmer. Consider making a difference by adopting one of our wonderful career-change dogs!
Please note that most of our adoptable dogs have not gone through service dog training. They are NOT service dogs. The amount of training they have had varies. To make them successful family pets, behavior modification may be required, and guidance from a professional trainer may be recommended.
How to adopt a career-change dog
Our goal is to place dogs in permanent, loving homes. Please complete our Dog Adoption Application so we can assist you in finding a special, compatible companion to join your family. With this information, we can minimize the risk of a failed adoption. We do not adopt our dogs on a “first-come, first-served” basis, but rather try to match families to available dogs.
Please note that we have a few ground rules:
- You must be at least 21 years of age to adopt.
- Dogs are placed in permanent homes at our sole discretion.
- We may refuse to adopt to anyone without providing a specific reason.
- All dogs are the legal property of Freedom Service Dogs until the requisite Adoption Contract is signed, all requirements of the contract are met, and the adoption fee is received.
Our dog adoption fee is generally $2,000. These fees help to defray the costs of spaying/neutering, testing, and vaccinating our dogs, treatment of heartworm and other parasites, and any necessary surgeries, but these fees do not cover all our expenses.
Our dogs are tested for parasites and heartworm, placed on heartworm preventive medication, and spayed or neutered before being adopted.
This is a lengthy application, but the information you provide helps us make a well-informed decision, as well as the most ideal match. Please be as thorough as possible in your responses.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- We are located in Colorado. Freedom Service Dogs does not offer any compensation for travel or lodging if you are out of state. If you do not live in Colorado please don’t submit an application if you can’t travel to Colorado for an adoption meeting at your own expense.
- Pet adoption is a 10-15 year commitment. While we know and appreciate your desire to have a companion during these times, please consider how you may feel if your circumstances change. This is a lifetime commitment.
- We currently only have 1-2 dogs available for adoption per month. If you are looking to adopt immediately, you may also want to check with local rescues or shelters.
Questions? Contact Cam Goldstein, Dog Operations Coordinator, at [email protected] or 303-922-6231 x228.
PLEASE NOTE:
In response to the COVID pandemic, we are receiving an overwhelming number of adoption applications. Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to respond to each one individually. After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we have received your application, we will then get you added to our waitlist. We DO NOT adopt our dogs on a first come, first served basis but rather try to match families to available dogs. We will be in contact when we think we have a match for you.