Summary
Organization name
Freedom Service Dogs, Inc.
other names
FSD
1987
Category
Human Services, Animal-Related
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
7193 S. Dillon Ct.Englewood, CO 80112
CO, US
US
At Freedom Service Dogs, we believe dogs can make a profound difference in the everyday lives of people challenged by disabilities.
We purpose-breed and custom-train service dogs, facility dogs, and skilled companion dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, individuals with autism or physical disabilities, and professionals providing mental health and crisis support services.
Daily tasks and routines that many take for granted can be challenging or complex for individuals living with disabilities. But with a Freedom Service Dog by their side, our clients regain lost independence and experience greater self-esteem, happiness, and hope. At FSD, we understand that these puppies with a purpose are far more than highly-trained assistance dogs; for those we serve, they're everyday game changers.
Our dogs spend up to 20 months, from birth to graduation, in our training program at a cost of $30,000 to $50,000 per dog. Your support allows us to provide these life-changing dogs and lifetime support services to our clients at no charge. Since 1987, FSD has proudly graduated hundreds of teams and provided lifetime support services to all active teams nationwide, all at no charge to our clients.
Testimonials
Kyle & Nemo
Kyle is a software engineer and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran living with PTSD. In 2026, he was matched with service dog Nemo, who brings a bright, outgoing personality and a love of play to everything he does. Beyond his sunny disposition, Nemo is also a highly trained service dog who makes a profound difference in Kyle’s everyday life by easing his anxiety, creating space in crowds, retrieving items, and providing a steady, reassuring presence wherever they go. Together, they have already gone on epic adventures, such as deep sea fishing trips, and they can't wait to continue exploring the world and getting back to the things Kyle loves together.
Mallory & Thistle
Mallory is a member of law enforcement and school resource officer with the Littleton Police Department. In 2026, she was partnered with facility dog Thistle, who is the first facility dog to be matched with a school resource officer in Littleton, Colorado!
While he may bring a little more drool and size than our average assistance dog, Thistle also has an enormous heart and a gentle spirit that make him perfectly suited for his role in providing therapeutic support to students. Mallory and Thistle are integral members to the Littleton community and their school, where they help create a welcoming and supportive educational environment for students while strengthening positive connections between youth and law enforcement.
Willow & River
Willow is a coordinator at Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. This year, they were matched with service dog River, who was custom trained to help Willow with their mobility challenges caused by EDS and POTS by pressing automatic door buttons, opening and closing doors and drawers, performing deep pressure therapy, interrupting anxious behaviors, finding people or items at home, tugging Willow up to sit, tugging off clothing, and assisting with everyday tasks like laundry. He was also taught to pick up merchandise specifically by the price tag to be of great assistance to Willow at work! Together, they create dreams for others, explore adaptive hiking trails, and dedicate their lives to accessibility projects within Disney and advocating for people with disabilities.
Mission
At Freedom Service Dogs, we transform lives by partnering people with custom-trained assistance dogs. We envision a world where individuals have the freedom to live their lives to the fullest with a custom-trained assistance dog by their side.
Background Statement
Founded in 1987, Freedom Service Dogs grew from the understanding that assistance dogs increase the independence of a person living with a disability. The founders, PJ and Michael Roche, came to this conclusion through personal experience. While working as a paramedic, Mike was severely injured, resulting in paraplegia. As a canine obedience trainer, PJ saw how a specially trained dog would enable Mike to regain his independence and enhance his mobility in the home and out in the community. Motivated by this realization, PJ started training their border collie, Oreo. Oreo proved to be a willing and able partner who drastically improved Mike's independence and quality of life. Inspired, the Roches founded Freedom Service Dogs (FSD) to increase the independence of other people facing life with a disability.
Since that time, FSD has graduated hundreds of client-dog teams, including veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, young adults with autism, people with mobility challenges, and mental health professionals, at no cost to the clients. FSD also provides free lifetime support for nearly 200 active client-dog teams nationwide each year, including refresher and new-skills training, annual recertification, and successor dogs when a service dog retires.
As an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited organization, we adhere to the highest standards of training, client service, as well as dog health, safety, and wellbeing. So, when we partner a pooch with a person for service or place a dog as a skilled companion into a position best suited for their personality and temperament, we rest assured that humans and dogs alike benefit from our thoughtful care and expertise.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Englewood, CO 80112