Who we are

Changing lives with the power of service dogs.

The American Service Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs and donating them to individuals in need. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through the assistance of expertly trained service dogs.

What we're all about

The American Service Dog Foundation (TASDF) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2021 by Lori Morrell, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer, TASDF aims to give shelter dogs a second chance by training them as service dogs for individuals with disabilities. Alongside a dedicated Board of Directors, employees, and volunteers, we are unleashing the incredible power of service dogs for those in need.

What we do

TASDF donates service dogs to disabled individuals, enhancing their lives, fostering independence, and offering lasting companionship. If our sponsored candidate does not have a dog, we match them with the most suitable companion from our partner shelters across Ohio. Collaborating closely with local shelters and adoption centers, we identify shelter dogs with the potential to become life-changing service dogs.

We collaborate with reputable local trainers, such as Buckeye K9, renowned for their service dog training program. These professionals expertly train the candidate's dog to the highest standards. After completion, we encourage ongoing training with the trainer for continued support and development.

How we make a difference

The American Service Dog Foundation is committed to providing service dogs to individuals who may not have the means to obtain one. Through our donation programs, we aim to make service dogs accessible to those in need, enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence — at no cost to the recipient.

Imagine a scenario: a person with diabetes, engrossed in work, neglects to check their blood sugar levels, and finds it dangerously low. Thankfully, their faithful companion, trained with a keen sense of smell, detects the situation and alerts them with a gentle nudge.

While this illustrates just one capability of a service dog, these remarkable animals assist Americans living with many different types of disabilities every day. In the United States, around 500,000 service dogs serve individuals in various capacities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), these dogs are entitled to accompany their handlers everywhere, facilitating independence and helping them navigate daily challenges.

In the realm of daily struggles, financial concerns should be the least of worries for the less fortunate. Providing those in need with access to service dogs, without the burden of training costs, can truly be life-changing.

A brown Labrador wearing a 'service dog in training' harness

At a glance

Founded: 2021
Founder: Lori Morrell, CEO & Director
Based in: Columbus, Ohio
Trainer partner: Buckeye K9
Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 86-2962306
Cost to recipients: $0 — always

Our values

Dignity first

Recipients are partners, not cases. We listen to what independence actually looks like for each person.

Second chances

We believe in the dog nobody else saw. Rescue is not a compromise — it is our standard.

No price tag

A disability should never come with a paywall. Every dog we place is free to the recipient.

Board of Directors

The American Service Dog Foundation's Board of Directors is a dedicated group of professionals committed to our mission of providing high-quality service dogs to those in need. With diverse backgrounds in fields such as nonprofit management, law, communications, and animal training, our board members bring a wealth of experience and passion to the organization. Together, they guide our strategic vision, ensure operational excellence, and uphold the values that drive our work.

Lori Morrell

Director

Lori began her professional career as a flight attendant, flying the friendly skies for 11 years. After having children, she sought a lifestyle closer to home and entered corporate America. However, she soon realized this was not the right fit for her. Her true passion has always been working with animals. In 2006, she turned this passion into a career by starting her own business, teaching dogs basic obedience and manners. Over the years, she expanded her services to include boarding, grooming, doggy daycare, protection dog training, therapy dog training, and service dog training. Through her work with service dogs, she recognized a significant need for a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing service dogs to those who could not afford them. She takes great pride and joy in placing a new dog with a deserving applicant, knowing the profound impact these animals have on their lives.

Gladys Morgan

Board Member

Gladys Morgan, a retired case manager with over 40 years of experience in the legal field, has dedicated her post-retirement life to helping others. As an enthusiastic volunteer for a nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs to individuals with debilitating illnesses, Gladys continues to make a meaningful impact in her community. In her leisure time, Gladys enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her new grandchild. She also finds joy in cooking, traveling, and playing mahjong.

Maddie Morrell

Board Member

Maddie Morrell is a Denison University alumni from the Class of 2024, holding a degree in Communications. She currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer at Fidelis Nutritionals. Maddie's love for dogs extends into her professional and personal life and helps fuel her support for the foundation's mission.

Help us pull the next dog out of a shelter.

Your gift funds rescue, veterinary care, months of professional training, and a placement that costs the recipient nothing.

Tax-deductible · 501(c)(3) · EIN 86-2962306

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