Service Dogs
Maine Resources
K9s on the Front Line - Located in Southern Maine, K9s on The Front Line is a non-profit organization that provides fully trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Their comprehensive program includes a minimum of 240 training hours and 60 public access hours over 5-6 months, and all services are offered at no cost to veterans. The program is designed to help veterans regain independence and improve their quality of life through the support of a service dog. For veterans that do not need a fully trained service dog, but would benefit from a companion pet, K9s on the Front Line can help meet that need as well. Interested veterans can apply on the organization’s website.
Maine Paws for Veterans - Based out of Brunswick, ME, Maine Paws for Veterans provides service dogs to Maine veterans at no cost to the recipient. Maine Paws for Veterans takes homeless dogs from shelters and matches them with veterans who have PTSD.
Mission Working Dogs - A non-profit organization based out of Oxford, ME which trains service dogs for people with disabilities. Mission Working Dogs trains dogs for PTSD and mobility related tasks. MWD has two programs; one program allows you to bring your own dog to train, while the second program provides you with a dog from Mission Working Dogs breeders.
Regional Resources
Canine Companions | Northern New England Chapter - The Northern New England chapter of Canine Companions is located in southern New Hampshire. Canine Companions trains dogs for a wide variety of disabilities and purposes, such as: visual & hearing impairments, mobility assistance, and PTSD support for military veterans.
Little Angels Service Dogs - Little Angel Service Dogs has locations in New Hampshire, California, and Texas. Their New Hampshire location trains dogs for people living throughout New England. LASD trains autism, mobility, & hearing assistance dogs. They also train psychiatric service dogs, seizure alert dogs, and diabetic alert dogs.
Service Dog Project (SDP) - The Service Dog Project is a non-profit organization that breeds, raises, and trains Great Dane service dogs to assist individuals with balance and mobility issues. These dogs, trained on the SDP farm in Ipswich, Massachusetts, are provided at no cost to recipients, helping them lead more independent lives.
National Resources
America's VetDogs - Provides service dogs at no cost to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. Their programs cater to individuals with visual or hearing impairments, mobility challenges, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries. Applicants must commit to a two-week training program and demonstrate the ability to care for the dog. Notably, their PTSD service dog program is tailored for veterans with combat-related PTSD and first responders with work-related PTSD. All services, including transportation and training, are provided free of charge.
Service Dogs for America (SDA) - Trains and certifies service dogs for individuals with mobility impairments, PTSD, and those requiring emergency medical response assistance. Their unique Inmate Canine Assistance Programs involve correctional facility inmates in the training process, fostering rehabilitation and community contribution. SDA accepts applications from across the contiguous United States.
National Service Dog Training Academy (NSDTA) - Specializes in training rescued, unwanted, or breeder-released dogs to assist individuals with disabilities. Utilizing a comprehensive 250-point Behavior and Public Access Assessment System, they ensure each dog is well-suited for service work. NSDTA also offers advanced therapy dog training for dogs already homed with persons with disabilities.
Canine Companions for Independence - Has placed over 6,000 assistance dogs nationwide at no cost to recipients. With training centers across several states, including California, Texas, and New York, they provide highly trained dogs to individuals with various disabilities, enhancing independence and quality of life.
The Seeing Eye - As the oldest guide dog school in the U.S., The Seeing Eye has matched over 17,500 dogs with individuals who are blind or visually impaired since 1929. Located in New Jersey, they offer comprehensive training programs and support services to ensure successful partnerships between handlers and their guide dogs.
Leader Dogs for the Blind - Established in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided over 14,500 guide dogs to individuals with visual impairments. Based in Michigan, they offer services free of charge, including travel, training, and equipment, to ensure accessibility for all clients.
NEADS World Class Service Dogs - Offers a variety of service dog programs, including assistance for individuals with physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and children with autism. They also provide service dogs for veterans and individuals in the criminal justice system. Their comprehensive training ensures each dog meets the specific needs of their handler.
Sierra Delta - Focuses on empowering veterans through their Life Buddy Program, which provides training grants for both basic and advanced dog training. Their community-centric approach fosters connections among veterans, promoting wellness and mutual support through service dog partnerships.
United States Veterans Service Dogs (USVSD) - Dedicated to helping veterans adjust to civilian life by providing trained service dogs to mitigate the effects of mental and physical disabilities. Despite challenges like facility damage from Hurricane Ida, they continue to support veterans through their programs and partnerships.
Service Dogs Inc. - Operating for over 35 years, Texas-based Service Dogs Inc. trains shelter dogs to become service animals for individuals with disabilities. Their program emphasizes second chances, transforming rescue dogs into reliable service companions, and providing them to clients free of charge.