FSD Pet dog

At Freedom Service Dogs, we believe dogs make a difference. We are committed to placing each of our dogs with the situation, family, or individual for which they are best suited, whether it be as a service dog, facility dog, skilled companion dog, or as a pet.

When a dog does not meet our high standards of health or behavior needed to be an assistance animal, or shows a lack of interest in being a working dog, they are placed as pets into loving homes instead where they can pursue their other interests. Dogs may join our Pet Dog Placement program because they:

  • Do not meet the health and behavioral qualifications to become a service dog, facility dog, or skilled companion dog.
  • May lack confidence, be easily distracted, show a lack of desire to work, or are unable to resist chasing the occasional squirrel.
  • Have X-rays or exams indicating they cannot complete service dog certification or or may have other medical issues.
  • Require advanced behavior modification.

Please note that the placement for an FSD Pet Dog is $3,000. This fee helps defray the costs of any medical procedures and clearances, training costs, and general care that the dog incurs while in the training program.

Please note 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

  1. We are located in Colorado and are accepting applications from Colorado residents and from out of state applicants who are willing to travel to Colorado at their own expense. 
  2. You must be willing to travel to FSD located in Englewood, CO within 7 business days of notification to meet a potential dog. 
  3. You must be 21 years of age or older.
  4. Welcoming a pet dog into your home 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.
  5. We have very limited dogs available for pet placement per month. If you are looking to add a new pet dog to your home more quickly, you may also want to apply through other organizations. 
  6. Pet dogs are released from our program for health or behavioral reasons that impede their ability to work as effective assistance animals. Once placed, they cannot be utilized as working animals, including service and therapy work. 

Most of the dogs eligible for placement as pet dogs have not gone through advanced service dog training. They are NOT service dogs and do not have public access rights. 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.

We receive an overwhelming number of pet placement 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 place our dogs on a first come, first served basis but rather try to match families to available dogs based on the best fit for the applicant and the available dog. We will be in contact when we think we have a match for you.

If you apply for a pet dog but are no longer interested in staying on our waitlist, please contact us at [email protected] or call 303-922-6231.

Pet Dog Application(opens in new tab)