Helping people live more independent lives, one dog at a time.
ASA Service Dogs places fully trained assistance dogs, runs owner-training programs, and educates communities across the United States. Every dog we train changes a life.
ASA Service Dogs is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All volunteer hours count as community service. Trained dogs are available to individuals anywhere in the United States.
Three types of trained dogs. One dedicated team.
We place fully trained dogs and support owner-training for those who already have a candidate animal. Every match is guided by our team from start to finish.
Autism Service Dogs
Specially trained to support children and adults with autism spectrum disorder. These dogs provide safety tethering, behavioral interruption, grounding during sensory overload, and give handlers the confidence to engage more fully in daily life.
Learn more →Assistance & Service Dogs
Fully trained service dogs placed with individuals whose disability requires a task-trained partner. We also offer advanced owner-training lessons for those who have a candidate dog and want structured support through public access certification.
Learn more →Therapy Dogs & ESAs
Trained therapy dogs available for handler teams visiting schools, hospitals, and care facilities. We also offer ESA training for individuals who need daily emotional support but do not require a fully task-trained service dog.
Learn more →“We exist to remove barriers, not create them. Every individual who needs an assistance dog deserves access to one, along with the education and support to make that partnership work for life.”ASA Service Dogs — Plant City, Florida
Education is the mission. Dogs are how we deliver it.
ASA Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assistance dog placement, training, education, and awareness. We serve individuals across the United States from our base in Plant City and Lakeland, Florida.
Our work spans three program areas: placing trained service dogs with people who need them, running structured training programs for owner-trainers, and delivering community education through events, school visits, and our Flat Service Dog Project.
We are also a recognized community service organization. All volunteer time counts toward community service hours, and we gladly provide letters of recommendation and reference for volunteers who need them.
More than dog training. A full community program.
Education is the primary goal of the ASA organization. Beyond placing dogs, we run programs that serve students, families, volunteers, and working professionals.
Cool Dog Skool
Structured classes covering dog training fundamentals, public access skills, and handler technique. Open to service dog teams, therapy teams, and owner-trainers working toward certification.
Learn more →Puppy Raising
Become a puppy raiser and give a future service dog the socialization, early training, and love it needs before formal program entry. One of the most impactful volunteer roles we offer.
Learn more →Apprenticeship
Interested in becoming a dog trainer? ASA offers a structured apprenticeship pathway for aspiring professionals who want to develop real-world skills alongside an experienced team.
Learn more →Flat Service Dog Project
Join the #flatsdproject and follow our Flat Service Dogs on adventures around the world. A community awareness and education initiative that brings visibility to the service dog mission in a fun, shareable format.
Learn more →Community Events
ASA runs and participates in local events throughout the Plant City and Lakeland area. Public demos, educational visits, and fundraising events keep our mission visible and our community connected.
View upcoming events →Is a Service Dog Right for Me?
Not everyone needs a service dog, and placing the wrong dog does more harm than good. We offer a guided assessment process and an honest FAQ so that applicants and families can make the right call before applying.
Read the guide →The dogs speak through the people they serve.
Families share their experiences with ASA trained dogs and programs.
“Before our ASA service dog, leaving the house was a daily crisis. Now my son walks into school every morning. That is not a small thing. That is everything.”
“The owner-training program gave us the structure we needed. The ASA team was responsive, knowledgeable, and never made us feel like we were bothering them. We passed certification on the first try.”
“Volunteering as a puppy raiser with ASA was one of the most rewarding things I have done. Watching the dog I raised go on to change someone's life is something I will never forget.”
Volunteer with ASA and make the mission real.
All volunteer hours with ASA count as verified community service. We are happy to provide letters of recommendation and act as a reference for volunteers who need them.
Ways to get involved
- ✓Puppy Raiser & Foster Trainer — Raise and socialize a future service dog in your home during the critical early months.
- ✓Events Coordination & Participation — Help plan and staff local community events, fundraisers, and public education days.
- ✓Training Support — Assist trainers during group classes and individual sessions as a handler, distraction volunteer, or support role.
- ✓Administrative & Outreach — Support the office with social media, community outreach, and communication tasks.
- ✓Flat Dog Project Ambassador — Take a Flat Service Dog on local or travel adventures and share the mission online with #flatsdproject.
Students & employees: your hours count.
ASA Service Dogs is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization. Every hour you volunteer is verified community service. We provide official letters of recommendation and are glad to serve as a professional reference for students, NHS members, court-ordered service participants, and corporate volunteer programs.
Request a verification letter →No cost. Turnaround within five business days of completed hours.
Questions about a dog, a program, or volunteering?
Reach us by phone, email, or the form below. We respond to all inquiries within two business days.