Saint Francis Service Dogs - A New Story

WHY NOW

As Saint Francis has grown, we have repurposed, repaired, and remodeled the small mid-century house that serves as our main training space. It stands as a symbol of the start of our story, but it is time for the next chapter. It is time for the training and classroom facilities at Saint Francis Service Dogs to support and reflect the exceptional quality of the dogs we train, allowing us to maintain our position as a world class service dog training program.

Our ability to serve our partners with warmth and professionalism depends on it.

CURRENT CHALLENGES

NEW FACILITY BENEFITS

Inadequate training space with inappropriate floors, poor air circulation, and limited flexibility

Large open training space with non-slip floors, new HVAC, and room dividers to add training flexibility New space is contiguous to existing kennel facility for easier, more comfortable, and more enriching housing of dogs during the day Dedicated quiet training room for individual training, matching interviews, and other training activities that require limited distractions Apartment designed for service dog task work training in real-life environment to better prepare dogs for their future Walk-up attic space for efficient storage Integrated with existing building to share parking, easier site navigation, better pathways, and visitor experience Large and flexible classroom space for Team Training, Candidate Classes, Partner Classes, Puppy Raiser Classes, and other educational programs ADA compliance in all aspects of design with viewing spaces to observe training, designated and accessible restrooms for a welcoming, safe space for all Dedicated office space for trainers and Training Program supervisors Covered entry that protects visitors regardless of weather and equipment Energy efficient systems and construction materials, controlled temperature and air quality, ease of maintenance

Poor daytime kennel space - currently a converted garage

No space for matching interviews with dogs and candidates or quiet training for individual dogs

No model space to practice real-life tasks

Lack of storage

Disjointed orientation with current Kennel Facility

No classroom space

Inaccessible; no observation areas

Insufficient program offices

No clear orientation for entry or drop off

Old, time-worn facility, inefficient, musty, and requiring continual and costly repairs