Saint Francis Service Dogs

The organization is also committed to promoting the use and acceptance of service dogs through public and professional education, providing advocacy for service dog partners and supporting the growth of the service dog industry on a national level. We serve the Commonwealth of Virginia and areas within a three hour drive from the Saint Francis Facility at 8232 Enon Drive, Roanoke, Virginia. History For questions or additional information about Saint Francis Service Dogs contact us at [email protected] or call 540.342.DOGS (3647). 1996 Saint Francis Service Dogs was founded by Carol Willoughby and Sherri Spell and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status that year. 1998 Saint Francis placed its first fully trained service dog. 2000 Saint Francis hired an Executive Director and Training Director, transitioning from an all-volunteer organization to a professionally managed organization. 2002 The Gift of Independence Capital Campaign was launched to raise funds to purchase a small 18 acre horse farm called Lakeland Stables for eventual conversion into a full-scale, high-quality service dog training center. 2003 Saint Francis moves its administrative and training activities to the former Lakeland Stables property. 2007 Saint Francis becomes the first organization in Virginia to be accredited by Assistance Dogs International. 2008 Saint Francis launches the Building Independence Capital Campaign to raise funds to build a state-of-the-art kennel facility. 2009 Saint Francis breaks ground on the new building. 2010 Saint Francis moves into the new state-of-the-art kennel and training center and increases the number of dogs in the training program. Saint Francis expands service area. 2011 Saint Francis launches Facility Dog Program and places its first Facility Dog. Saint Francis launches Veteran Dog Program. 2013 The Luke Woody Memorial Garden is dedicated. 2016 Saint Francis expands its presence in Virginia by hiring a Development Coordinator and opening an office in Newport News. Moving Forward Saint Francis is planning for the expansion of our facilities to include a Training and Administrative Center. For questions or additional information about Saint Francis Service Dogs contact us at [email protected] or call 540.342.DOGS (3647).