FREEDOM PAWS CANADA 1-250-954-5552

The Program
Building Service Dog Teams

The program is based on teamwork. Both you and your dog will be working hard toward a common goal: certification as a service dog team. The Freedom Paws Canada team is here to support your success.

OFP may look to some like a charity, but we think of it as an organization that supports and enables you to achieve success. We’re not just giving you a dog, we’re giving you the tools you need to overcome challenges.

Most of the dogs in our teams are rescued from shelters. Thus, the team is healing together, & providing each other with a new lease on life. All the elements you’ll need to be successful will be provided at no cost to you.

Commitment & Eligibility Requirements

To ensure safety, success, and meaningful outcomes for every team, applicants must meet the following requirements:

 

Commitment

The training program is a minimum of 48 weeks, with twice-weekly in-person sessions. Applicants must demonstrate consistent attendance, active participation, and full follow-through for the entire duration of training.

Residency

Applicants must live on Vancouver Island.

Transportation

Reliable transportation is required to attend training sessions in Fanny Bay twice per week.

Person in a ball cap petting a golden dog
Happy black dog wearing a service vest

Mental Health Support

Applicants must be under the ongoing care of a licensed mental health clinician, with appointments occurring at least twice per month.

Clinical Referral

A referral letter is required from a treating clinician. The letter must state the diagnosis and clearly explain why a service dog is needed as part of the treatment plan.

Client-Owned Pet Dogs

Training a client-owned pet dog is considered only under special circumstances and is not guaranteed. All client-owned dogs must complete a thorough behavioural and suitability assessment before acceptance into the program.

pictures of the Trainers and Dogs in action

How to Apply

Step 1: Application & Clinical Referral

Complete the online application form and submit it together with a referral letter from a licensed mental health clinician. The referral must clearly state your diagnosis and why a service dog is recommended.

Please email all required documents to [email protected].

Note: Applications sent by mail will not be accepted.

Dog Team Stacey and Candy

Step 2: Application Review & Acknowledgement

Once your application is received, it will be reviewed.
If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you will be contacted by email within 14 days to acknowledge receipt of your application and discuss next steps. In some cases, contact may also be made by phone.

Step 3: Home Assessment

A home assessment will be scheduled to help determine overall suitability and ensure the home environment supports service dog training.

Step 4: Face-to-Face Interview & Dog Assessment

If accepted to move forward, you will be invited to a face-to-face interview at our training centre in Fanny Bay.

  • If you have your own dog, the dog will be assessed at this time, not all pet dog are able to become service dogs
  • If you do not have a dog, we may work toward matching you with a suitable dog.

We do not ordinarily train pet dogs; however, exceptional cases may be considered following assessment.

Panting golden dog in a service vest

Step 5: Training Program

We provide an intensive dog training programme of around  48 weeks where you will be partnered with a rescue dog with the aim to become an Psychiatric Dog Partnership.

The rescue or donated dogs the charity selects are in need of a home, friendship and love. They are assessed thoroughly for temperament and character prior to being partnered with a person

You will learn how to train your dog, care for their needs, develop new skills and routines, and become a responsible, confident guardian under the guidance of our supportive team during twice-weekly training sessions.

The dogs we train are not pets or solely companions, they are trained to be with you 24/7 as working Psychiatric Service Dogs.

Step 6: Certification

When training is complete, teams work toward service dog team certification, which is currently the BC Guide Dog and Service Dog assessment via the BC government.

Step 7: Ongoing Support & Compliance

After certification:

  • Follow-up training occurs monthly for the first 6 months
  • Then every three months for the next two years
  • Service dog teams must be re-certified by the BC Government every two years. OFP Canada will support you through this process and coordinate your recertification assessment.
  • Virtual check-ins (Zoom, FaceTime, phone) are available if you move out of the area every 6 months
  • Teams must also provide a current annual veterinary vaccination certificate  yearly to remain in good standing.

NOTE: INTAKE FOR CIVILIAN APPLICATIONS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED!

SERVICE DOG APPLICATION

DIABETIC ALERT DOG APPLICATION

Inclusion Statement

Freedom Paws Canada is committed to treating volunteers, staff, and all clients with equal respect and consideration, regardless of gender, colour, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual identity, or orientation. This ensures that every individual receives fair and unbiased treatment, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. We believe in upholding the principles of diversity and inclusion, and we strive to reflect these values in all aspects of our service and interactions.

POLICIES

How To Help

Donate or Shop To Support Our Cause

To ensure the program is available to everyone who needs it, this program is provided free of charge to each recipient. We rely on donations to provide support for shelter rescues dog fees, training equipment, veterinary treatments, Dog Food and Team Training.

DONATE
SHOP

Barb Ashmead

Working with Veterans, First Responders and Non-veterans has been the greatest experience of my life. Watching a team bond and save each others lives is phenomenal and an incredible life changing experience.

BARB ASHMEAD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Barb Ashmead

Working with Veterans, First Responders and Non-veterans has been the greatest experience of my life. Watching a team bond and save each others lives is phenomenal and an incredible life changing experience.

BARB ASHMEAD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ken

Made for success, Purpose for everyone. Goal for every person. A dog for every person. A dog for every goal. A community for all.

KEN |OFP MEMBER

Jessie

Life Changing.

STEVE |OFP MEMBER

Tia

Such a wonderful program. Gracie and I are so thankful to be in it. The instructors are so amazing.

TIA |OFP MEMBER

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