Partnership Pathway Service Dog Program

Our Partnership Pathways

Our redesigned programs are built around partnership. You are not simply receiving a trained dog—you are learning, practicing, and growing alongside your dog with guidance from Sunrise Service Dogs trainers and support from our community.

We offer two pathways designed to meet people and dogs where they are in their journey:

1. Puppy-to-Partner Pathway
Begin with a puppy and build the foundation for a successful service dog partnership from the very beginning. Teams progress through a structured series of phases, developing the skills, confidence, and teamwork needed for life as a working service dog.

2. Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway
For individuals who already have a dog that may be a good candidate for service work. Eligible dogs enter the program at an appropriate phase based on their age, skills, temperament, and readiness, allowing each partnership to begin where it makes the most sense.

A Commitment to Partnership

Both pathways require time, participation, practice, and a meaningful commitment from the human partner. Program investment and participation requirements vary by pathway and phase, and financial assistance and fundraising opportunities may be available.

Our goal is to provide a clear, supportive path for each team while maintaining the high standards necessary for successful service dog partnerships.

Partnership Program Requirements

All Partnership Teams

  • Commitment to actively participate in training and practice between sessions

  • Consistent attendance and participation in scheduled classes and training sessions

  • Ability to complete weekly skill practice and demonstrate progress

  • Willingness to receive coaching, feedback, and make adjustments throughout the program

  • Commitment to meeting Sunrise Service Dogs’ training, behavior, and public-access standards

  • Successful completion of required skill checks and phase advancement evaluations

  • Ability to safely and appropriately handle and care for the dog

  • Commitment to the dog’s physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being

  • Completion of required program investment through payment and/or approved fundraising opportunities

  • Understanding that advancement through the program is based on readiness and demonstrated skills, rather than time alone

Puppy-to-Partner Pathway

For individuals beginning with a puppy:

  • Participation begins in the Introduction Phase

  • Commitment to the puppy’s early socialization, development, training, and care

  • Participation in required group classes and private training

  • Completion of each phase’s required skills and evaluations before advancing

  • Ability to provide a stable, safe, and appropriate home environment

  • Commitment to the long-term training and development of the partnership

Owner Dog-to-Partner Pathway

For individuals entering the program with their own dog:

  • Dog must meet Sunrise Service Dogs’ eligibility requirements

  • Dogs must be 14 months or older at entry

  • Dog must demonstrate appropriate temperament, health, behavior, and potential for service work

  • Dogs may enter at an approved Phase 2, 3, or 4, based on an evaluation of their current skills and readiness

  • Owner and dog must complete the required evaluation before placement into a phase

  • Teams must demonstrate the foundational skills necessary for their approved entry point

  • Participation in the training and evaluation requirements for the assigned phase

  • Continued progress toward Sunrise Service Dogs’ service dog standards

A Partnership, Not Just a Program

The most important requirement is a willingness to learn, practice, grow, and work as a team. Service dog training is a significant commitment, and Sunrise Service Dogs is here to provide the structure, guidance, and support needed throughout that journey.

Join the List

We know that choosing to pursue a service dog partnership is a meaningful decision, and we want to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.

As we relaunch our redesigned Partnership Pathways, Sunrise Service Dogs is creating a more structured approach to welcoming new teams into the program. Our goal is to ensure that every partnership receives the training, guidance, and individual support needed to progress successfully.

Because our programs are intentionally structured around small cohorts and hands-on support from our trainers, enrollment is limited. New teams will be welcomed during designated enrollment periods based on program capacity and the availability of appropriate dogs and training resources.

Want to be the first to know?

Complete the “Let’s Keep in Touch” form below to receive updates about upcoming enrollment opportunities, information sessions, program announcements, and next steps for beginning your partnership journey with Sunrise Service Dogs.

We look forward to staying connected and helping you explore whether a Sunrise Service Dogs Partnership Pathway may be right for you.