Our programs focus on partnership. You train alongside a service dog candidate with support from Sunrise Service Dogs trainers, volunteers, and community.
We offer two main paths:
Puppy Academy. Raise a purpose-bred Sunrise Service Dog candidate puppy.
Bridge Academy. Owner-trained assistance dog program for dogs over 14 months of age and their human partners.
Puppy Academy: Raise a Service Dog Candidate Puppy
Sunrise Service Dogs maintains a purpose-bred program focused on Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Old English Sheepdogs from health-tested parents. Puppies receive early socialization tailored for future public access and task work.
Eligible clients serve as volunteer puppy raisers for a purpose-bred puppy. You raise the puppy in your home, follow our training plan, and attend classes through Sunrise Service Dogs. With teamwork and consistent effort, the puppy you raise may progress toward service dog work for you in the future.
Key points:
Puppies grow up in homes, not kennels.
Puppy raisers focus on house manners, basic skills, confidence, and positive experiences in the community.
Sunrise trainers guide you through each stage, from baby puppy to advanced foundations.
At this time, Sunrise Service Dogs offers specialized training for puppies from our own breeding program. If you have a puppy or young dog from another source, you may apply for Bridge Academy once the dog reaches at least 14 months of age and meets behavior requirements.
*Sunrise Service Dogs does not provide training for Emotional Support or Skilled Companion Dogs who perform tasks in-home but do not have public access.
Puppy Academy
Going it on your own? Before You Get a Puppy
Sunrise Service Dogs can assist you in finding an appropriate puppy that has received early socialization and whose parents have been vetted and health-tested. Working with reputable and ethical breeders gives your dog the best chance at an enjoyable and healthy working life. In order to ensure their puppies are physically free of genetic conditions and have solid temperaments, our breeder partners have invested significant time and financial resources. They spend countless hours providing their puppies with the experiences they need to be strong assistance dog candidates.
Sunrise Service Dogs also has a breeding program and may have a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, or Old English Sheepdogs which are sometimes available. All of our puppies are from health-tested parents, socialized specifically for assistance dog work, and evaluated for their potential as service dogs. A puppy is never guaranteed to become a service dog, but we provide a solid foundation to improve outcomes.
Before getting a puppy on your own, let us help you make an informed decision. With our years of experience and breed knowledge, we can help you select the right dog for your needs and lifestyle. As part of our evaluation process, we take into account the tasks you would like your dog to perform to mitigate your disability, whether you would prefer a dog with fur or hair, as well as breed characteristics.
The fee to consult with you to learn more about your needs and coordination of services, including locating and sourcing a service dog candidate puppy is $300. Reach out to info@sunriseservicedogs.org to chat with us about finding your next furry future prospect!
Stay Informed About Open Enrollment
We know asking for help takes courage. In 2025 we received over 200 applications from people seeking a service dog partner. Each one represents a real person, a real story, and real needs.
Our trainers, volunteers, and budget let us support only a limited number of teams at a time. To give each team the time, attention, and quality they deserve, we accept new applications during open enrollment periods.
These enrollment windows line up with planned Sunrise litters and puppies from trusted breeder donors. This structure helps us be honest about how many teams we are able to serve well.
If you want to stay informed about upcoming open enrollment periods, please complete the “Let’s Keep in Touch” form. We will share dates, news, and next steps as soon as they are available.
