Susquehanna Service Dogs

Susquehanna Service Dogs, a program of Keystone Children & Family Services, trains and provides service dogs and hearing dogs to assist children and adults with disabilities to become more independent. We are a member of Assistance Dogs International

SSD was founded in 1993. From a small group of dedicated individuals with a vision, SSD has grown to a core group of scores of volunteers. Today we have service dog teams in at least 23 counties in Pennsylvania and several additional states. We have over 160 individuals and families who volunteer on a regular basis. We place approximately 15 service and /or hearing dogs each year. We usually have 50 puppies with puppy raiser families.

The Dogs

Susquehanna Service Dogs uses specially bred dogs that come from our breeding programs, other assistance dog programs, or individual breeders. Each dog receives an in-depth health screening, is neutered, and undergoes a rigorous training program. Before placement the dog must display excellent manners in the home and in public and respond to a variety of commands for specific behaviors and tasks. Each dog in training learns specific tasks. A service dog can open and close doors, retrieve, pull a manual wheel chair, find the phone, do balance work, turn light switches on and off, and do much more. Hearing dogs respond to different sounds, which include knocking, doorbell, oven timer, alarm clock, telephone, and the person's name.

The Individuals

"I'd like to thank everyone involved with Susquehanna Service Dogs for the love, companionship, and independence I receive from Nala."

—Greg Traynor & SSD Nala

Service Dogs help individuals with spinal cord injuries, polio, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, stroke, and similar disabilities. Some dogs can be trained to help individuals with psychiatric disorders and children with autism. Hearing dogs help people with hearing impairments. Special training is provided for each dog depending on the needs of the individual receiving the dog. A child or adult who desires the assistance of a service or hearing dog completes a formal application process. After acceptance into the program, trained dogs and their new owners complete a two- to three-week training program together. Follow-up sessions are provided on a regular and as-needed basis. A yearly certification test is required. SSD makes every effort to ensure that our dogs do the job they were trained to do.

The Cost

The fee for purchasing one of our service or hearing dogs is $5,000. Clients may apply for a need-based scholarship. The actual cost is $20,000 to train and place each service dog or hearing dog. Because of many generous individuals and businesses providing in-kind services, we can provide these dogs at a cost of $11,000. The additional funding and the scholarships come from individuals, groups, contributions, corporations, and fundraising. We do receive funding from the Capitol Area United Way. We hold special events--such as PawsAbilities and Black Tie and Tails--annually. All contributions stay in Pennsylvania and assist people in the community.

Keystone Human Services