Is there a service dog standard that Operation Sidekick follows?

Yes! OS follows the guidelines of Assistance Dogs International which is a coalition of nonprofit service dog associations in place to ensure that high standards are met in training, education, and placement of service dogs. [...]

Is there a service dog standard that Operation Sidekick follows?2019-11-20T19:25:37-05:00

Can I adopt a service dog?

No. Service dogs are working dogs that need to be paired with a person to fulfill their duties. Dogs that are well-trained for service work, but do not meet our requirements for pairing with one [...]

Can I adopt a service dog?2019-11-23T14:21:10-05:00

How long does training take?

Most service dogs are ready to be paired and begin training with their permanent handler between 16 and 20 months of age. We start working with the puppies as early as day three after birth.

How long does training take?2019-11-20T19:24:48-05:00

Can I donate a dog for the program?

We do not take in privately owned surrenders or privately rescued dogs to train for service work. APBF follows proven methods for training as demonstrated by the respected service dog breeding and training community. With [...]

Can I donate a dog for the program?2019-11-20T19:22:46-05:00

I’m a Veteran – I Don’t Need a Dog Myself But Want to Help. What Can I do?

Volunteer! Become a puppy raiser and help raise and train the puppies/dogs for the program Help network and spread awareness about the program Fundraise For more information, head over to our Volunteer Page and get started by [...]

I’m a Veteran – I Don’t Need a Dog Myself But Want to Help. What Can I do?2019-11-20T19:21:58-05:00

Can I Train My Own Service Dog Through Operation Sidekick?

No, with one exception. Though it is perfectly possible to train your own service dog with the help of a trainer, if you are an individual needing the treatment provided by a service dog, it [...]

Can I Train My Own Service Dog Through Operation Sidekick?2019-11-20T19:20:59-05:00

Why did APBF start Operation Sidekick?

Thousands of pit bulls are killed in shelters every week across the United States. These dogs have been plagued with a horrible stigma that is completely misaligned. They’ve been abused, abandoned, neglected, and stereotyped more [...]

Why did APBF start Operation Sidekick?2019-11-20T19:19:48-05:00

Where do our dogs come from?

Due to the high euthanasia rate of Pit Bulls in the public sheltering system, the American Pit Bull Foundation pulls pregnant females and newborn puppies with their mothers from shelters for Operation Sidekick. Part of [...]

Where do our dogs come from?2019-11-20T19:18:24-05:00

How can I get a Service Dog Through Operation Sidekick?

Operation Sidekick is a small program and we have a limited number of dogs available at any given time. We only take referrals at this time through veteran advocates such as Veterans Service Officers, Psychiatrists, [...]

How can I get a Service Dog Through Operation Sidekick?2019-11-20T19:17:57-05:00

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