Better Business Bureau

Charity Contact Information BBB Wise Giving Alliance Comments Programs

Tax Status Governance Fund Raising Financial

Name:	Support Dogs, Inc.
Address:	11645 Lilburn Park Road
	St. Louis, MO 63146
Phone:	314-997-2325
Web Address:	www.supportdogs.org

Support Dogs, Inc. (SDI) meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Support Dogs for the Handicapped, Inc. was created in 1981 by Sandy Maze, who suffered from muscular dystrophy. The organization was formed to match assistance dogs to those with physical disabilities to improve their quality of life. A St. Louis chapter was formed in 1983 and, in 1985, became the national headquarters for what is now known as Support Dogs, Inc. Since its inception, Support Dogs has grown to meet the needs of the community by relying on the support of its volunteers. The Service Dog program places dogs with adults and children with physical disabilities, while the Hearing Dog program places dogs with those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The Psychiatric Service Dog program places dogs with those diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Founded in 1989, the TOUCH Program trains and certifies volunteers and their own dogs to visit various healthcare facilities in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. In 2001, the TOUCH Program introduced the Paws For Reading Program, which places dogs in elementary classrooms and local library branches. This program allows children to use the dog as an incentive while working on their reading and writing skills. The program also promotes increased interaction and social skills in the children. Support Dogs is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, SDI's program expenses were:

Service Dog Program	340,630
TOUCH Program	158,787
PAWS for Reading Program	19,796
Total Program Expenses:	$519,213

Chief Executive : Bill Dahlkamp, Executive Director

Compensation*:

$44,622

Chair of the Board: Jeanne Dee
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: CPA- Kiefer, Bonfanti & Company

Board Size: 14

Paid Staff Size: 12

*Compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.

Method(s) Used:

direct mail, invitations to fund raising events, grant proposals

Fund raising costs were 19% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $557,001, are donations received as a result of fund raising activities.)

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

The following information is based on SDI's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.

Source of Funds
Contributions	395,947
United Way of Greater St. Louis	106,096
Program Fees	60,376
Special Events and Merchandise	54,958
Investment Losses	18,718
Other	2,886
Total Income	$638,981

Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 78%  Fund Raising: 16%  Administrative: 6%

Total income				$638,981
	Program expenses			$519,213
	Fund raising expenses			107,974
	Administrative expenses			40,012
Total expenses				$667,199
Expenses in Excess of Income				(28,218)
Beginning net assets				394,515
Ending net assets				366,297
Total liabilities				39,704
Total assets				$406,001