What types of assistance dogs do you train? Freedom Paws trains Psychiatric Service Dogs, Mobility Assistance Dogs, Medical Alert/Response Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Facility Dogs, and Skilled Companion Dogs. Do you train emotional support animals (ESAs)? Freedom Paws specializes in task-trained assistance dogs and facility dogs. We do not provide untrained emotional support animals (ESAs). How much does a service dog cost? Fully trained assistance dog programs typically begin around $10,000+, depending on the dog and individualized training needs. Is there a waitlist? Yes. Wait times vary depending on training needs, dog availability, and matching considerations. Do you place dogs outside Ohio? Yes, depending on the individual situation and training program.
Can you train my current dog? In some cases, client-owned dogs may be evaluated for service dog work. Not all dogs possess the temperament, health, or behavioral qualities necessary for public access work. What disabilities qualify for a service dog? Service dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities that substantially limit one or more major life activities. Each application is evaluated individually based on the applicant’s needs and required tasks. Are your dogs certified? There is no federally recognized certification for service dogs in the United States. Freedom Paws focuses on public access training, task training, and individualized placement preparation in accordance with ADA guidelines. What is the difference between a service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support animal? Service dogs are individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Therapy dogs provide comfort to others in settings such as hospitals or schools. Emotional support animals provide comfort through companionship but are not task-trained service dogs. What is included in the training process? Training includes obedience, socialization, public access preparation, task training, and handler education. Are deposits refundable? Please contact Freedom Paws directly regarding current deposit and program policies. Do you provide follow-up support after placement? Yes. Freedom Paws remains available to assist handlers during the transition process and beyond placement. Do veterans receive discounts? Freedom Paws proudly offers discounts for veterans in qualifying programs.