Service dogs in Ohio

Ohio shelters, Ohio trainers

Most service dog programs breed their own dogs. We do not. We work with Ohio animal shelters to find dogs whose temperament, focus, and drive suit service work — dogs who would otherwise be overlooked. Selected dogs are health-screened and then trained by our professional partner, Buckeye K9.

Who we serve

We place professionally trained service dogs with people with disabilities. Our recipients have needed help with things like retrieving dropped items and opening doors after a back injury, medication reminders and support in public, and grounding during anxiety episodes. Read their stories in their own words.

A registered Ohio nonprofit

• Founded: 2021 by Lori Morrell
• Based in: Columbus, Ohio
• Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 86-2962306
• Cost to recipient: $0 for the dog and its training
• Contact: (614) 745-4071 · info@theamericanservicedogfoundation.org

Common questions

Where in Ohio are you based?

The American Service Dog Foundation is based in Columbus, Ohio. We partner with Ohio animal shelters to find candidate dogs, and our dogs are professionally trained by Buckeye K9.

Do you only place service dogs in Ohio?

Our rescue and training work is rooted in Ohio, but recipients have come from outside the state as well — in one case we arranged training accommodations for a recipient who lived hours away. If you are outside Ohio, apply or contact us and we will tell you honestly what is possible.

Is there a cost for an Ohio recipient?

No. Every dog we place is provided free of charge to the recipient, including its professional training. Donations cover the cost.

Which Ohio shelters do the dogs come from?

We work with Ohio shelters to identify dogs with the temperament, focus, and drive for service work. Each candidate is temperament-tested and health-screened before training begins.