Service Dog Project Inc.

3.9 from 58 reviews

Address 37 Boxford Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938

Phone Number +19789091020

Description Service Dog Project Inc., a non-profit organization based in Ipswich, Massachusetts, provides mobility assistance to individuals with balance impairments through trained Great Danes. Under new management since January 1, 2023, the organization continues to offer its services and welcomes visitors to its open house every Sunday.

Website http://servicedogproject.org/

Reviews
Janet Pirie

APPALLING! After submitting my application and video I received no reply. Three months later I sent a follow up email asking for my status. Here was the “form letter” reply: “Our dogs are trained for individuals who experience difficulty with their balance and mobility therefore we wouldn’t be the appropriate group to suit your diagnosis.” MOBILITY AND BALANCE ISSUES ARE WHAT I’VE BEEN SUFFERING WITH FOR SEVEN YEARS SINCE SUFFERING AN ANOXIC BRAIN INJURY!!! I’ve been calling repeatedly and no one answers nor returns my messages. NO WONDER THEY LOST THEIR ACCREDITATION FROM ADI - Assistance dogs international. ALL THIS INFURIATES ME! Tell me you don’t have a dog available, tell me I’m not crawling on the floor in my video, HAVE THE PROFESSIONALISM TO CALL ME and own up to your DECISION, TELL ME SOMETHING LEGITIMATE ABOUT WHY YOU DUMPED ME! I’m not only disappointed, I’m disgusted with how this SIMPLE matter was handled. Now I’m starting all over. THANKS A LOT FOR NOTHING YOU SORRY ORGANIZATION!

Jay Moore

A little over a year ago, when my dog was a puppy, we brought him to an event where the people of the Service Dog Project and their puppies were in attendance. We were told it was okay to bring our dog into the building so that he could get some positive socialization by seeing the other puppies while they were kept separate from him in a pen. The volunteers that were at this event decided to release the puppies and they all rushed my dog at once while he was leashed. Their mother, Bianca, who was also in attendance at this event then ran up to him and proceeded to attack him. Luckily we were able to step in quick enough and no one was hurt but my dog has been reactive and fearful towards other dogs ever since and it has caused a lot of grief for us. No one bothered to check if our dog was okay and actually blamed us for being there, saying that he should not have been even though we were told it was okay. I have never left a review on any business ever in my life but I do not think it was right what happened and it’s been eating at me for quite some time now. I’ve been working with a trainer and we hope to get my dogs issues resolved but I am of the opinion that this incident never should have happened in the first place. I also don’t think that the dog who attacked mine should continue to be bred however I saw that she had another litter after this event transpired. I cannot speak about how they are now since I have heard they are under new management but I wanted to share my experience.

mommy cass

The owner Arlene is really unkind. I went here to check it out a few years back and she would not even give me a chance to try and get a service dog. She thought my mobility issues were not that bad. She told me to train my own dog and the first time around was a disaster LOL I called her crying and yelling "how could you tell me to just train my own like it is no big deal." But actually after he went to live with my best friend...I adopted Olivia and, she is amazing. She is so easy to train, loving, well socialized great with kids. We go everywhere together. I really had a breakdown at this place because of the difficult way I was treated at the worst time of my life. But then I learned I can count on myself to train my own dog. I didn't want to go through the heart ache of an angry trainer effecting a bond I could have with a potential service dog. I cannot learn well under pressure. I am so proud of how far Olivia has come and my ability to teach her<3 don't give up. Their is more then one way to get to where you want and need to go<3

Brenda S

I have been blessed to have had my first Service Dog come from SDP. She changed my life and I grew in ways that I had never dreamed would be possible. She was an amazing service dog, and I was very happy with the agency and the trainers who made this possible. I had almost 9 wonderful years with my first. When it came time that I needed a successor service dog the agency had undergone some restructuring and they were under new management and many new trainers. I am so pleased with the attentiveness, compassion, and guidance I have received from the trainers as well as the new Director/President. I have an amazing well trained service dog that I am confident using, for my balance and mobility struggles. My life would be so different if it weren't for this wonderful agency. The heart and dedication they have, to serve people with disabilities is beyond words for me. Because of them, I can continue to be active in my community, travel and enjoy life with my family and friends to my fullest potential.

J Kevin Hardison

UNPROFESSIONAL & UNORGANIZED - BELLIGERENT & RUDE OWNER We applied for a dog and we clearly stated in our letter on several occasions that there was NO previous active military experience. Yet we were invited for a 3-day visit to be evaluated for a placement. This is an 1,800 mile round trip for us. Four months later, after booking a non-refundable trip to MA, they requested a DD214 military disability form. When informed that we didn't possess this form, they told us the dogs were for past military only. In an attempt to resolve the issue, we spoke with the owner by phone. She was extremely rude and failed to accept any responsibility for the error. Even though they invited us for a visit knowing that we had no previous military experience, she placed the blame on us because we should have known that the dogs were for past military only. We were flabbergasted to say the least. To top it all off, the owner kept implying that we were trying to take advantage of them by scheduling a stay there. AFTER THEY WERE THE ONES THAT INVITED US. Even after we informed her that we wouldn't be coming if there was no chance for dog placement, she still shouted many times on the phone that "WE ARE NOT A HOTEL". As if our dream summer vacation is to stay in a one room cabin, on a farm, in the middle of the sticks of Ipswich, MA. Quite astonishing really. So don't bother if you're not past military because they will obviously waste your time and money with impunity. And if you are past military, you should seriously consider looking elsewhere. Unlike this place, there are surely other dog training facilities that are run by caring responsible people.

John Michael

I am a disabled veteran and I am so happy for them giving to me the most amazing dog her name is Ella and she loves to work for me. We go to the VA hospital together doctors appointments shopping you name it we hve done it and Service Dog Project has the best facility for training and care I owe them my life. Ella is taking the place of my old service dog that had to be put down I had her for 17 years I am truly sorry I could keep on talking all night long. But my Ella is so great and I don't know how to thank service dog Project for what they have done for me thank you so much and god bless you all.

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Business Hours
Monday:09:00AM - 16:00PMTuesday:09:00AM - 16:00PMWednesday:09:00AM - 16:00PMThursday:09:00AM - 16:00PMFriday:09:00AM - 16:00PMSaturday:09:00AM - 16:00PMSunday:09:00AM - 16:00PM

From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned

Service options

  • Language assistance > English

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • No wheelchair accessible restroom

Amenities

  • Gender-neutral restroom

Crowd

  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safespace

Categories