NEADS has extremely high standards for its Service Dogs and recognizes that not every dog is meant to be a working dog. However, every dog deserves a loving family.

Each year, NEADS has a limited number of these dogs available for adoption.

Before considering whether to apply for a Furloughed Favorite, please be aware of the following:

• There is an extremely limited number of dogs- approximately 25 - available through our Furloughed Favorite program each year. On average, we receive 100 applications for each dog available.
• Preference is given to people who live within a 3 hour drive from our Princeton, MA facility in order to facilitate our adoption process.
• Our dogs are Laborador retrievers.
• Our dogs are not offered on a "first come, first served" basis.  Our trainers evaluate the best home for each dog based on the applications that are received.
• These dogs may have obedience or behavior problems. We share detailed information with potential adopters about the dog's temperament, personality, training, and why the dog did not become a Service Dog.
• Our released dogs are adopted as pets and should not be used as working dogs in any capacity.
• Adopters are asked for financial reimbursement to cover the cost of the dog. The cost can range from $3,000 or more and varies based on the dog’s age, training level, and comparable retail cost.
• NEADS is unable to respond to emails or calls about our Furloughed Favorites. If you are interested in the program, please begin by completing the pre-qualifying questionnaire below.

In order to be considered for a Furloughed Favorite, please complete the pre-qualifying questionnaire below. You will then be taken to the application.

You will be added to an email list and be notified if an adoptable dog becomes available. If you are interested in a dog that appears on the email list, please respond as soon as possible. We have many qualified candidates but very few dogs available, so we are not able to place dogs with everyone who applies.

PLEASE NOTE: NEADS is unable to respond to emails or calls about our Furloughed Favorites. If you are interested in the program, please begin by completing the pre-qualifying questionnaire below.