Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation
Service area: territorial United States
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Service Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
Program Formats
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Sporting
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
Dog Training Methodology
Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation provides fully trained service dogs to eligible military veterans and first responders diagnosed with PTSD. The dogs are trained to assist in mitigating life’s daily challenges, including tasks like retrieving items, providing emotional comfort, and helping with anxiety in public settings (e.g., “block” and “cover” commands).
Applicants must meet specific criteria, including military veteran or first responder status, a documented PTSD diagnosis, a stable living environment with financial ability to care for a service dog, and no history of alcohol/substance abuse, illegal dependency, felony convictions, or animal abuse. Recipients are required to reside in the territorial United States for at least 60 days post-graduation and commit to participating in the organization’s training program to ensure a successful partnership with their service dog.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation provides trained service dogs to eligible veterans and first responders at no charge. The average cost for a fully trained PTSD service dog is approximately $25,000, which the foundation covers as a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Testimonials
“Zach has my six everywhere we go. Knowing I have him next to me at all times I am able to experience life again. My sleep has improved, he interrupts my anxiety and irritability moments. We make a great team and I couldn’t imagine life without him.”
– Corey & Zach
“I am someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to experience severely dark moments. After multiple combat tours serving overseas and being a veteran police officer for over 30 years, I was diagnosed with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, along with multiple other physically challenging injuries. I was in severe pain, depressed and wanted to stay in my home isolated from everyone. Gunner has been a critical part of my treatment for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. I’m able to focus on him more than the other variables that would normally bother me. I have a better attention span, less irritability, more confidence, and most of all he gets me off the couch and out of the house. I also have to maintain his training, which gives me a sense of purpose. I’m active and engaging in the world again. I’m going to the park and sleeping better. Gunner has given me a quality of life that I had lost. With Gunner having my back, I’m able to sleep more for the first time, and that was something I was having a hard time with. As well as learning general obedience, and other tasks, Gunner and I are learning specific commands that are designed to help me with PTSD. He is trained to notice signs of anxiety and will comfort me and help calm the me if needed. He also assists me when I’m out in public. For example, because I can be hyper-vigilant in crowds, Gunner can be given the“block” command, which means to help the me get some much needed personal space by standing sideways in front of me. Another command that Gunner was taught is “cover.” This means can position himself behind the me and will warn of approaching people–essentially, He is watching my back. Gunner has drastically improved my quality of life and I feel he rescued me.”
– Tony & Gunner
“Annie is my lifeline. I don’t like to think of where I would be in my recovery without her. She keeps me calm when I feel like my world is crumbling. She watches my back and keeps people away from me while in public, and snuggles me at night to keep my nightmares at bay. She is so much more than just a dog, she is the reason I’m able to live my life again!”
– Suzie & Annie
About the Trainer
Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trained service dogs to military veterans and first responders who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Their mission is to offer these courageous individuals a lifeline by alleviating daily challenges and empowering them to regain independence, solace, and hope, all at no charge to the recipient.
The foundation recruits health-tested and well-bred Labrador Retrievers through their Breeder Program and relies on volunteers for their Puppy Raiser program. These programs are crucial to their success in ensuring their “HEROES NEVER WALK ALONE.”
Accomplishments
Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation was founded in September 2018 by Corey James, a 100% disabled veteran rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The organization operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
How to Get Started!
To get started, interested individuals (military veterans or first responders) can submit their name, email, phone, best time to contact, and a message via an online form to receive an application. Basic criteria for applicants include military veteran or first responder status, a documented diagnosis of PTSD, a stable living environment with the financial ability to provide care for a service dog, no alcohol or substance abuse, no illegal dependency, no felony conviction, pending criminal charges, current parole/probation, pattern of criminality, or animal abuse. Applicants must reside in the territorial United States and have no intention to leave for 60 days after graduation from the program. They must also pay for travel expenses, be willing to work with the organization on other pets in the home if required, have the ability to participate fully without a caregiver or assistance in activities of daily living, and commit to participating in the organization’s training program to ensure a successful partnership with the service dog.
Contact Information
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Listing Tools for Trainers
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