Four Paws, Two Feet, One Team

Our program empowers veterans and individuals with disabilities to restore their freedom to live life.

Help Rescue a Dog

Healing together, providing each other with a new lease on life. Most of our dogs are rescued dogs and carefully matched to their human partner.

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Operation Freedom Paws Hoodie $50

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Pauliina Saarinen: Photo

Operation Freedom Paws Canada

is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, doing compassionate work that changes lives, one rescue at a time. For veterans, first responders, and civilians with PTSD and complex trauma, this work is nothing short of a lifeline. Our clients and their dogs share a bond like no other, even more so when that bond is born through rescue.

We saved each other, is something we hear time and time again from our OFP family, and it never loses its impact.

What We Do

Serving those in need.

We train individuals to train their own dog, then certify them together as a service dog team. Most of our dogs come from rescue shelters. Each is matched to a specific client’s physical and psychological needs.

This unique opportunity enables our clients to feel safe and secure while they manage their day-to-day lives. The special therapeutic canine-human relationship helps them get back out in their communities and begin to view their future with renewed hope.

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pictures of the Trainers and Dogs in action

Barb Ashmead

Working with Veterans, First Responders and Non-veterans has been the greatest experience of my life. Watching a team bond and save each others lives is phenomenal and an incredible life changing experience.

BARB ASHMEAD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ken

Made for success, Purpose for everyone. Goal for every person. A dog for every person. A dog for every goal. A community for all.

KEN |OFPC MEMBER

Jessie

Life Changing.

STEVE |OFPC MEMBER

Tia

Such a wonderful program. Gracie and I are so thankful to be in it. The instructors are so amazing.

TIA |OFPC MEMBER

OFP member Tiffany holding her service dog Atlas

A hundred years of thank yous still wouldn’t feel like enough to explain how grateful I am to OFPC and its supporters. I have seen first-hand the amount of people that have had their lives absolutely changed and filled with hope again. Thank you for reminding me there is life after trauma and how to trust my dog.

TIFFANY |OFPC MEMBER

Service Dog Process

About Working Together:

We work with veterans, non-veterans and children with PTS, MST, CPST or other physical, neurological, psychological or mobility needs using rescue dogs. OFP Canada saves two lives!

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Matching The Teams

A Pathway Home

Past trauma erodes all aspects of life; from relationships, and work, to physical and mental health. But there is hope. Our clients and their carefully-matched dogs enter the training process together, undertaking a transformational journey of trust building that empowers them to re-enter the world in a way that seemed impossible.

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Donate To OFP Canada

Program costs for our clients are 100% funded by donations. Your generosity removes barriers and offers hope to those who truly need our program, and we thank you.

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WestJet Gift of Flight Raffle

2025 Paws for Summer poster

Paws for Summer is an annual fundraiser in support of Operation Freedom Paws Canada — and a fun, family-friendly event where dogs are warmly welcomed! 🐾

Your participation helps fund our life-changing service dog training program for veterans, first responders, RCMP, and civilians living with PTSD and other psychological injury.

At OFP Canada, we’re proud to match rescued dogs — we don’t operate a breeding program — with clients who train alongside them to become fully certified service dog teams. Our programs are delivered by a dedicated volunteer team, and are provided at no cost to our clients.

We rely 100% on donations and grants to fund this work. As OFP Canada celebrates its 5th anniversary, we are proud to have graduated 67 service dog teams — with many more in training.

Join us for Paws for Summer — have fun, meet our community, and help us change lives.

Paws for Summer – Beer n’ Burger Night in Support of OFP Canada!

It’s back — and we can’t wait to see you there!

A fun-filled night in support of OFP Canada — helping change lives through the healing power of service dogs.

Your $30 ticket includes:
✔️ A delicious burger with all the fixings
✔️ A refreshing local beverage of your choice
✔️ Tasty snacks & dessert

✔️ Great door prizes!

You’ll also enjoy:
Silent Auction with great prizes
Wall of Wine Raffle — just $10 per ticket, available only at the event! Last year’s winner went home with nearly 40 bottles!

For Tickets