NEADS Re-Leashed (formerly Furloughed Favorites)

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A NEADS Re-Leashed dog (formerly “furloughed favorite”) is a dog who, for behavioral, temperamental, or medical reasons, doesn’t meet our strict standards to become a working dog. These dogs are then put up for adoption to the general public.

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 NEADS Re-Leashed dog, please be aware of the following:

  • There are an extremely limited number of dogs – approximately 25 – available through our NEADS Re-Leashed 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 of a Re-Leashed dog can range from $3,500 to $5,000 (plus sales tax), based on the dog’s age, training level, and other factors.
  • NEADS is unable to respond to emails or calls about our Re-Leashed program. If you are interested in the program, please begin by completing the pre-qualifying questionnaire below

In order to be considered for a NEADS Re-Leashed dog, please complete the pre-qualifying questionnaire below. You will then be taken to our Interest Form.

After you fill that out, 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 NEADS Re-Leashed program. If you are interested in the program, please begin by completing the pre-qualifying questionnaire below.