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Central Florida Service Dog Organizations

Donate A Dog - K9 Acquisition

Written by K9 Partners for Patriots

News | Education

January 28, 2019

Discover why flea markets may not be the best environment for service dogs.

Learn about risks, distractions, and considerations for handlers.

1. Crowded Environment: Flea markets are often bustling with crowds, which can be overwhelming for a service dog. The dog may become stressed or anxious in such a busy atmosphere.

2. Distractions: Flea markets are filled with various sights, sounds, and smells that can distract a service dog from its duties. This could potentially compromise its ability to assist its handler effectively.

3. Unpredictable Behavior of Other Animals: Other visitors to the flea market may bring their pets along, which can lead to encounters with unfamiliar animals. This may pose a risk to the safety and focus of the service dog.

4. Risk of Injury: With so many people moving around and browsing items, there’s an increased risk of accidental tripping or stepping on the service dog, which could lead to injury.

5. Exposure to Unsanitary Conditions: Flea markets may not always maintain the cleanest environment, and the service dog may come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or substances.

6. Lack of Accommodation for the Dog: Flea markets may not be equipped to handle service dogs properly, such as providing suitable resting areas, water, or relief spots for the dog.

7. Potential Stress for the Dog: A flea market’s constant stimulation and unfamiliar surroundings could cause stress or discomfort for the service dog, which may affect its overall well-being and ability to perform its tasks.

Given these factors, it’s important for service dog handlers to carefully consider whether taking their dog to a flea market is truly necessary and in the best interest of the dog’s welfare and effectiveness in assisting its handler.

Below is a short list of Service Dog Programs located in the Central Florida, Greater Tampa Bay Metropolitan Area. 

PTSD has reached a crisis level and continues to rise. K9 Partners for Patriots is acutely aware that many civilians, law enforcement, and first responders suffering with PTSD, TBI, and ST could greatly benefit from the assistance of a service dog. Though we harbor a deep understanding and compassion for this population, our corporate by-laws limit us to serving US Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members only. 

We receive numerous calls every week from the general public seeking assistance either for themselves, a child, a friend or family member. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear their stories and have to turn them away. 

We compiled the list below from a Google search. We are not affiliated with, nor do we endorse them. We are also not familiar with their program criteria. But if you are a civilian seeking a service dog this list will get you started. We would also encourage you to perform your own Google search. 

There are new organizations emerging daily. Please don’t give up!

 

CANINES FOR HOPE  
http://canines4hope.com/
Palm City, FL 
855-885-6262

FLORIDA SERVICE DOGS
https://floridaservicedogs.org/
PO BOX 14810
Jacksonville, FL 322388
800-549-2600

SERVICE DOGS OF FLORIDA
http://servicedogsfl.org/

CANINE HELPMATES, INC.
37340 NORTH C.R. 44A
Eustis, FL 32736
(907) 357-5700

CLASSIC SERVICE DOG NETWORK
131 Forest Ln.
Orange City, FL 32763
(904) 775-1559

WAGS/VICON KENNELS
36436 Calhoun Rd.
Eustis, FL 32736
(352) 482-3988

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE
http://www.cci.org/
Southeast Regional Center
PW Box 547511
Orlando, FL 32854-7511
(407) 522-3300

ELITE K9 ACADEMY
http://elitek9academy.com/
18291 126th Terrace North 
Jupiter, FL 33478
(561) 575-3144

SEDONA SERVICE DOG & WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Southeast Placement Centre
PO Box 1073
Captiva Island, FL 33924

FLORIDA GUIDE DOGS FOR THE DEAF INC.
PO Box 20662
Bradenton, FL 34203
(800) 520-4589

FLORIDA CANINES ASSISTING PEOPLE
PO Box 4877
Ocala, FL 34478
(352) 821-2798

SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS
4210 77th St E
Palmetto, FL 34221
(941) 729-5625
Toll Free (800) 944-3647

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