Right here in Colorado, a small but mighty nonprofit has spent nearly four decades proving that a well-trained assistance dog can change the trajectory of a person's life. Freedom Service Dogs of America (FSD) purpose breeds, raises, and custom trains service dogs, facility dogs, and skilled companion dogs for veterans, first responders, and others living with disabilities, as well as mental health and public safety professionals — all at no cost to the people they serve.
A Colorado Story from the Start
FSD's roots are homegrown. The organization was founded in 1987 by Michael and PJ Roche in the Denver area. Michael was a paramedic who had been paralyzed in a vehicle accident on duty, and PJ was a dog trainer. Together, they discovered firsthand how a specially trained assistance dog could restore independence and built FSD from a two-person operation in their home into one of the country's leading service dog organizations. Though the Roches have since passed away, their legacy continues at FSD's facility on South Dillon Court in Englewood, which the organization moved into in 2016 following a major renovation.
Today, FSD trains assistance dogs for people across Colorado and the country, giving Colorado communities — including those in Northern Colorado — a nationally respected assistance dog organization to be proud of right in their own backyard.
Who FSD Serves
FSD's service dogs are matched with veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, as well as individuals with physical disabilities or autism. The organization also partners facility dogs with mental health and crisis support professionals, including school resource officers and therapists, to support communities. Additionally, skilled companion dogs are placed with veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families who could benefit from a well-mannered canine companion even without formal service dog tasks.
Since 1987, FSD has graduated nearly 1,000 client-dog teams. Every team receives free lifetime support, including annual recertification, ongoing training assistance, and a successor dog when an assistance dog retires.
Setting the Standard
FSD is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), one of only two accredited organizations in Colorado, meeting rigorous standards for training, client service, and animal welfare. It has also earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar/Candid in recognition of its impact and financial accountability. In 2020, FSD launched its own purpose breeding program, producing more reliable service dog candidates and helping shorten wait times for clients.
How You Can Get Involved
As a nonprofit, FSD relies entirely on community support to place more life-changing assistance dogs with those in need. There are many ways to help:
- Raise a puppy. Volunteer puppy raisers provide a temporary home, love, basic training support, and socialization for a future service dog before it returns for advanced training.
- Volunteer onsite. Help at the Englewood training facility with kennel care, dog walking, enrichment, and behind-the-scenes support.
- Foster or puppy-sit. Short-term opportunities are available for those who can't foster full-time.
- Sponsor a kennel. A $1,500 tax-deductible gift covers a dog's vaccinations, medical care, food, and basic training, and includes a plaque displayed at the facility for 12 months.
- Donate directly. Each service dog costs about $50,000 to breed, raise, and train—every gift helps move someone off the waitlist faster.
- Attend an event. FSD hosts annual fundraisers, including the Diamonds in the Ruff Gala and Faces of Freedom Sporting Clays Tournaments in Denver, Midland, and Houston.
- Explore corporate partnerships. Businesses interested in sponsorship or corporate giving can connect with FSD's partnerships team.
For more information, to apply for a service dog, volunteer, or donate, visit freedomservicedogs.org or call 303-922-6231.
Chevron is a proud supporter of Freedom Service Dogs, a Colorado-based nonprofit that transforms lives by pairing custom-trained service dogs with veterans, first responders, and individuals living with disabilities. Through financial support, employee engagement and community partnerships, Chevron helps advance Freedom Service Dogs’ mission of providing these highly skilled service dogs and lifetime support at no cost to recipients. Chevron employees have participated in fundraising events, welcomed service dogs into local offices, and helped raise awareness of the incredible impact these dogs have on the people they serve.