We’re Here to Help You Find Your Path

We know that pursuing a service dog is a meaningful decision, and every individual’s needs and circumstances are different. At Sunrise Service Dogs, our goal is to make the path toward a service dog partnership clear, supportive, and achievable.

As we relaunch our redesigned Partnership Pathways, applications are opening for our programs. Individuals may have the opportunity to pursue a partnership through one of two pathways:

Puppy-to-Partner Pathway- Begin with a Sunrise Service Dogs purpose-bred puppy and progress through our structured training phases alongside your dog.

Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway- For individuals who already have a qualified dog, eligible teams may enter the program at an appropriate phase based on the dog’s age, temperament, skills, and readiness.

We will also have limited opportunities for fully trained service dogs to be matched with approved applicants when appropriately trained dogs are available.

Because our programs provide hands-on training, evaluation, and support, the number of teams we can accept is limited. Enrollment and placements are based on program capacity, dog availability, and the needs and readiness of each individual and team.

Ready to learn more?- Visit the program page that best fits your situation and complete the “Let’s Keep in Touch” form. We’ll share application information, enrollment updates, program opportunities, and next steps as they become available.

We look forward to helping you explore the pathway that may be right for you.

At Sunrise Service Dogs, we train and support service dog partnerships for individuals with a wide range of disabilities and needs. Each partnership is unique, and training is tailored to the individual and the specific tasks that can help them experience greater independence in daily life.

Our service dogs may be trained to provide medical alert and response support, psychiatric support, or mobility and physical assistance, depending on the needs of the individual. Tasks may include recognizing changes associated with a medical condition, providing interruption or grounding support, retrieving items, opening doors, and other trained assistance.

Through our Partnership Pathways, individuals have the opportunity to learn alongside their dog with guidance from Sunrise Service Dogs trainers throughout the training journey. Our goal is to build confident, capable partnerships that are meaningful, reliable, and uniquely suited to the person and their needs.

At Sunrise Service Dogs, we understand that finding the right dog is an important part of building a successful service dog partnership. While certain breeds have historically been successful as service dogs, we recognize that every dog is an individual and that breed alone does not determine whether a dog will be a good fit.

Through our Puppy-to-Partner Pathway, participants work with a puppy selected through our breeder referral and placement process. For individuals pursuing our Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway, the participant provides their own dog, and the dog must meet our eligibility and evaluation requirements before entering the program.

For those who are looking to obtain a dog for either pathway, Sunrise Service Dogs can provide guidance in selecting an appropriate breed and connect applicants with a referral list of breeders and trusted resources. We can help individuals consider factors such as temperament, trainability, size, energy level, and the specific tasks they may need their service dog to perform.

Ultimately, the goal is not simply to find a particular breed—it is to find the right dog for the right partnership. We focus on the qualities that contribute to a successful service dog, including temperament, health, confidence, trainability, and the ability to reliably perform the tasks needed by their future handler.

Sunrise Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization registered under Section 501(c)(3). Our redesigned Partnership Pathways are made possible through the generosity of donors, community partners, and the commitment of the individuals who participate in our programs.

Training and supporting a service dog partnership is a significant investment. Program costs vary based on the pathway and level of training, and participants will receive more information about program investment as they move through the application and enrollment process.

Participants are also responsible for the ongoing care and well-being of their dog, including food, veterinary care, supplies, and other routine expenses.

Fundraising is an important part of the Sunrise Service Dogs model. Participants are encouraged to take an active role in fundraising and community engagement to help support the cost of their program and sustain opportunities for future service dog partnerships.

We believe financial circumstances should not prevent someone from pursuing the possibility of a service dog partnership. Our goal is to work with each approved participant to provide a clear understanding of the program investment and available ways to participate.

Together, our participants, donors, volunteers, and community partners help make the Sunrise Service Dogs mission possible.

Our application process is designed to help us understand your needs, determine the appropriate program, and make sure we can provide the right support for a successful service dog partnership. Applications open quarterly for all programs.

1. Complete the Application
Submit our application when it opens. A $200 application fee is required to cover the time involved in evaluating and processing your application.

2. Complete a Background Check
Applicants will complete a background check that includes identity verification and a review of criminal history. This is not a credit check and will not affect your credit report. The purpose is to help ensure the safety and well-being of our dogs, including confirming there is no history that would prevent someone from safely participating in the program.

3. Provide Medical Verification
Your medical provider will complete a verification letter recommending a service dog and identifying the specific areas where a service dog may benefit you.

4. If You Are Training Your Own Dog
If you are applying through our Owner Dog-to-Partner pathway, you will schedule an evaluation of your dog with the Sunrise Service Dogs team to determine whether your dog is a suitable candidate for service dog training.

5. Meet With Our Team
Once the required items have been received and reviewed, we will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your needs, review your personalized training plan, and help you understand which Sunrise Service Dogs program is the best fit for you.

Shortly after you decide to join the Sunrise Service Dogs team, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule a Fundraising Coaching Call with our team. During this call, we’ll walk you through the fundraising options available and help you create a plan that works for you.

Many people are excited to support someone they know who is pursuing a service dog. Your “Circle of Love”—friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and others in your community—can become an important part of your journey.

We’ll provide tools and resources to help you share your story, including:

• A personalized fundraising page and donation link

• Social media templates and ideas

• Letter and email templates

• Phone and text message scripts

• Guidance on sharing your story and asking for support

• Ideas for additional fundraising opportunities

You don’t have to figure it out on your own. We’ll be there to help you learn how to confidently share your journey and invite your community to be part of it.

Yes. Through our Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway, eligible participants may work with their own dog as they progress through the Sunrise Service Dogs training program.

Dogs entering this pathway must meet our eligibility requirements and successfully complete an evaluation. We consider factors such as age, health, temperament, behavior, trainability, and current skill level when determining whether a dog is a suitable candidate for service dog work.

Applicants will complete the required application and evaluation process before being accepted into the program, which includes:

• Doctor's referral

• Background check

• Additional required documentation

Once accepted, the team will be placed into the appropriate training phase based on the dog’s current abilities and readiness. Approved entry points for the Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway may include Phase 2, Phase 3, or Phase 4.

Throughout the program, participants train alongside their dogs with guidance from Sunrise Service Dogs trainers. Teams must demonstrate the required skills and meet the expectations of each phase before progressing to the next.

This pathway is designed to meet each team where they are while providing the structure, coaching, and support needed to build a confident and capable service dog partnership.

Sunrise Service Dogs does not sell trained service dogs in the traditional sense. Our mission is to create successful service dog partnerships with individuals living with disabilities through our structured Partnership Pathways.

We may, however, have limited opportunities for puppies or dogs that are available outside of our Partnership Pathways. These opportunities are offered on a limited basis and are not guaranteed.

When available, these dogs and puppies are offered with a program investment/fundraising commitment that is significantly below typical market value. These funds help support the continued work of Sunrise Service Dogs and our mission of creating service dog partnerships.

Availability is limited, and opportunities depend on the individual dog, puppy availability, and program needs. These placements are separate from our service dog training pathways.

If you are interested in learning about future availability, we encourage you to fill out an application.

At Sunrise Service Dogs, we take all concerns seriously and are committed to addressing them promptly and professionally. If you have a concern, please submit it in writing to the Executive Director, including relevant details, dates, and any supporting documentation. We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 business days. Our leadership team will conduct a thorough review of your concern, and we may contact you for additional information if needed. All complaints are handled confidentially and documented. While we strive to resolve all complaints within 14 business days, complex issues may require additional time. You will be kept informed of progress throughout the process. If you are unsatisfied with the initial resolution, you may request an appeal in writing within 30 days of the initial resolution, which will be reviewed by our Board of Directors. We track all feedback as part of our commitment to continuous improvement, using this information to enhance our training programs and client support services.

Should you need to communicate a complaint or dispute, we ask that you detail the issue and engage directly with the Executive Director to seek a resolution. If your concern involves the Executive Director, then your next point of contact should be the Board Chair. The responsible party will investigate your complaint, work towards a resolution, and provide a decision along with a written, dated summary of the issue and the resolution proposed, all within a reasonable timeframe.

Sunrise Service Dogs is made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations, community partners, and donors who believe in the difference a service dog partnership can make.

These supporters help provide the training, resources, and guidance needed to build successful partnerships between people with disabilities and their service dogs. Their contributions also help us keep our programs accessible and expand the number of individuals we are able to serve.

Our programs are built around shared investment. Participants contribute through below market value program investment and/or fundraising, while donor and community support helps make our programs more accessible and sustainable.

We are grateful for the community partnerships that strengthen our mission, including our relationship with Under the Sun Dog Training & Daycare and other organizations that contribute their time, resources, expertise, and support.

Throughout the year, we engage our community through fundraising events, campaigns, corporate partnerships, and other opportunities to support our mission.

Every contribution matters. Whether through a financial gift, fundraising, sponsorship, volunteering, or community partnership, your support helps Sunrise Service Dogs create more opportunities for people with disabilities to experience greater independence through the partnership of a service dog.

Yes, Sunrise Service Dogs accepts clients from out of state. If you can commute to our Colorado Springs training location, we can work with you through our regular training program. For those unable to commute, we offer placement of public access ready adult service dogs, though this option comes with a significant wait time. Our capacity to serve out-of-state clients is directly linked to the availability of our volunteer puppy raisers. You can help increase opportunities for out-of-state placements by referring potential puppy raisers to our program.

The time it takes to begin and complete a service dog partnership varies based on the pathway, the individual team, and the dog’s readiness and progress.

With our redesigned Partnership Pathways, teams move through training based on demonstrated skills and readiness rather than a set timeline. Each phase has specific training goals and evaluations that must be successfully completed before advancing.

Puppy-to-Partner Pathway-Teams begin with a puppy and progress through the structured training phases as the dog develops and the partnership grows. The timeline will vary from team to team based on individual progress and readiness.

Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway-Participants who have an eligible dog may enter the program at an approved phase based on the dog’s age, temperament, current skills, and readiness. This allows teams to begin their journey from an appropriate starting point rather than following a one-size-fits-all timeline.

Limited Opportunities for Other Placements-From time to time, Sunrise Service Dogs may have limited opportunities for dogs or puppies available outside of the primary pathway structure. Availability varies and cannot be guaranteed.

Our focus is not simply on moving teams through the program as quickly as possible. We are committed to giving each team the time, training, and support needed to build a safe, confident, and successful service dog partnership.

Sunrise Service Dogs works with families seeking service dog support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. We recognize that every child and family is unique, and we take an individualized approach when considering whether a service dog partnership may be a good fit.

Children must be at least 5 years old at the time of placement to be considered for this type of partnership. A parent or designated adult serves as the dog’s primary handler and participates in the training process, helping build a strong partnership that can support the child and family in daily life.

Families are welcome to participate in training at our facility. Because our training sessions are focused on developing the handler-dog partnership, we ask families to make appropriate arrangements for children during sessions when needed, or be prepared to supervise their children while participating in training.

Our service dogs are trained to provide specific, practical assistance based on the individual’s needs. At this time, we do not train dogs for elopement prevention or tethering. We encourage families to explore other tools and resources that may be better suited to addressing these particular safety needs.

Our goal is to work alongside each family to determine whether a service dog partnership is an appropriate and supportive option for their individual circumstances.

While Sunrise Service Dogs does not offer therapy dog training classes, we highly recommend the Therapy Dog classes at Under the Sun Dog Training & Daycare (utsdog.com). Under the Sun is a well-established facility with experienced trainers and an excellent reputation in our community. Their facility offers comprehensive training programs in a professional, positive environment, and their clients consistently praise their knowledgeable staff and effective training methods. It's important to note that therapy dogs serve a different purpose than service dogs - while service dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs provide comfort and support in facilities like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.