ABOUT
US
What is Free Dog?
Free Dog is a nonprofit redefining how people engage with animal welfare.
We host fun, social, dog-friendly events that attract people who might not normally engage with typical nonprofits. These gatherings raise awareness, build community, and generate funds.
Then, we give it back: we use those funds to offer free or low-cost training, vet clinics, and animal care resources to the people and pets who need them most.
It's a simple idea: meet people where they are, make giving easy, and turn compassion into action.
Why Free Dog Exists
There's a fundamental gap in the animal welfare world: we have the science, the tools, and the methods to help people and their dogs thrive - but most people never get access to that knowledge. That's because the animal welfare field has become commodified, meaning that necessary resources (like training, supplies, vet care, and knowledge) are sold for profit rather than freely dispersed. This for-profit model lends to the rise of misinformation as well-meaning pet owners turn to the services that are the most affordable or well marketed rather than the ones that are the most accurate. Many animals face surrender, abandonment, or even death due to human misunderstandings about pet care or financial barriers that prevent them from getting the help they need.
Our Mission
At Free Dog, we believe that access to high quality animal welfare resources is a right, not a commodity.
We envision a world in which no animal suffers due to misinformation or barriers to care. Using our fully nonprofit model, we provide free or low-cost access to essential resources for pet owners - whether it’s pet supplies, education on animal behavior, or veterinary care. We focus on decommodifying animal welfare, ensuring that accurate information and resources are available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
From One Dog Lover to Another
Before founding Free Dog, I spent years working on the front lines of the animal welfare field: as an Animal Control Officer, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and the lead dog trainer for PetSmart's Boston district. In every role I've held, two things have stayed true: people care profoundly about their animals, and the right information can change (or save) lives.
During my time as an Animal Control Officer for three major cities in Massachusetts, I saw firsthand how often people want to do right by their pets - but simply don't have the resources or support. As a dog trainer, I've seen how deeply misinformation is rooted in our culture, and how often people believe they're doing the right thing when the methods they've learned are actually causing harm. As the lead dog trainer for PetSmart's Boston district, I witnessed how commodifying pet care education limits its quality and reach - with the dog being the one to pay the real price.
The real problem isn't a lack of good information. It's that we've failed to distribute it at scale. Traditional education models focus on people who are already looking for help. But what about people who aren't? The ones stuck in myths, the ones who don't know they need new information, and the ones who feel judged when they try to ask? That's who Free Dog was built for.
This isn't just a nonprofit - it's a new model for how we reach and serve people. It's built on trust, joy, and the belief that good information should be free, friendly, and everywhere.
Very Sincerely,
Marnie Fitzgerald