HomeAbout UsContact CSDDonateShopServicesApplicationAccess TestMedia GalleryEventsSupportersOur ClientsVolunteerWish ListEducationLawsResourcesTravelPoliciesDocuments

Acquiring Dogs


Cost Of Dogs


  • Colorado Service Dogs acquires dogs for the program from a variety of sources including rescue organizations, and local animal shelters. Purebred and mixed breed dogs are both utilized, with an emphasis on using rescued and shelter dogs.

  • Colorado Service Dogs accepts dogs into training as young as 8 months, basic obedience must already be established, and as old as 24 months (2 years).

  • All dogs are spayed and neutered prior to entering training. Male and female dogs are equally suited to service work.

  • Each dog is individually temperament tested to determine its innate characteristics and strengths. Upon passing the temperament test and a health screening by veterinary staff, the dog officially becomes a Service Dog in Training (SDIT).

  • Throughout the course of training, service dog puppies are closely monitored for good health and temperament. Hips and elbows are x-rayed to rule out hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Chronic health problems or aggressive/unpredictable behavior result in disqualification from the program. Colorado Service Dogs commits to placing only healthy, temperamentally sound dogs into service.
    •




    FAMILY DOGS

    We have been known to train family dogs for service work.
    They would be held to the same high standard of acceptance as a rescued or donated dog.
    Some exceptions may be made, please contact Sharon Davis at 720-249-8584 for more information.

    Please be advised,
    that just because we test your dog's temperament,
    that does not automatically make your dog a candidate for our program.

    Obedience pre-requisites for the program are:

  • Walk without pulling on the leash (loose leash walking).
  • Paying Attention.
  • Come.
  • Down.
  • Sit.
  • Stay.
  • Heel.
  • Recall.
    •

    Please contact us if you think your dog maybe a candidate for this program.




    PARTNER TO PET PROGRAM

    We try to post information here, on our blog on twitter and on facebook about dogs that become available for adoption.

    A dog may be released for a variety of reasons – the most prevalent being that some are adopted from area shelters & during the course of training, it may be discovered that the dog is simply not appropriate to be trained with the skills necessary for service work but will make a wonderful pet. Unfortunately for those wanting to adopt our released dogs, only a few are released each year.

    When these dogs do become available, we notify everyone on the waiting list & invite them to come meet the dog. Once all those interested in meeting the dog have come for their interview, we place the dog with the person or family that we feel matches best with the dog. This way it is a good fit for the dog & for the person or family.

    Once the application is received, your name will be placed on our waiting list for released dogs. When a dog becomes available for adoption, we will notify everyone on our waiting list. Each applicant, along with their family members, is invited to meet the released dog to determine whether they are interested in adopting him/her.

    Once we have a list of interested families, we evaluate them to ensure that we place the dog in the best possible home. Example, a cat-focused dog will not be placed in a home with cats. We do ask for between a $500 - $1,000 donation to adopt a dog released from our program.

    Please contact Lija for more information at 303-669-5916 or coservicedogs@hotmail.com.

    Application Sets must be in the office and signed before the adoption can take place.

    PROGRAM SET (PDF)

    PROGRAM SET (WORD DOCUMENT)


    Copyright © 2011 Colorado Service Dogs. All Rights Reserved