Service dogs, therapy dogs & companion pets for military veterans
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Return to Wounded Warrior Resource Directory - LINK
Books about military service dogs & therapy dogs (for kids & adults) - LINK
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Organizations who provide service dogs, therapy dogs and companion pets
Other service dog support organizations, housing advocacy
Did you know that the first therapy dog on record was a four pound Yorkie named Smoky? You can learn more by reading "Yorkie Doodle Dandy: A Memoir" by William A Wynne.
Support organizations
A Cause to Give Us Paws
Houston, TX
Providing free service dog training for veterans and paid training for civilians suffering from PTSD and other disabilities.
Alpha Bravo Canine
Philadelphia, PA
Alpha Bravo Canine’s mission is to provide trained service dogs to U.S military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other combat related disabilities.
Alpha K-9
Sacramento, CA
Alpha K9 donates time, equipment and training in order to provide PTSD service dogs to veterans, first responders and children in a hope that a PTSD service dog will provide the recipient with an opportunity to live a more normal life and alleviate the stressors that are preventing them from entering society. Alpha K9 has already donated multiple service animals in 2012 to both veterans and kids in the local community and plans to continue to provide PTSD service dogs.
American Humane Association
Given the increasing number of veterans returning from long deployments—often serving multiple consecutive tours as never seen before in the U.S. military—and many requiring mental health services, rates of mental health care use have steadily increased, taxing the health care system at large and creating a need for additional support sources. American Humane Association can meet this need through the Service Dogs for Veterans program, which assists veterans in adopting and training a shelter dog as a service dog.
America's Vet Dogs
Nationwide
America’s VetDogs® – The Veteran's K-9 Corps® is a not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and serves the needs of disabled veterans and active duty personnel. Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation has provided guide dogs and training at no cost to people who are blind or visually impaired, including veterans.
Assistance Service Dog Educational Center
Woodlake, CA
ASDEC is helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The need for service dogs to aid war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder is critical. This disorder affects about 5.2 million Americans or about 30% of war veterans. Currently the Veteran's Administration will not pay to supply the veterans with service dogs. To fill this need, ASDEC provides dogs for veterans at no or low cost. We have successfully partnered many dogs with veterans, but we need your help to continue!
A Veteran's Best Friend
Arkansas
A Christian ministry providing service dog training for injured Arkansas veterans at no cost for the veteran.
Awesome Greyhound Adoptions Hounds and Heroes Program
Southeast Florida
Awesome Greyhound Adoptions (AGA) Inc. is proud to present the Hounds and Heroes program where greyhounds (and their prospective owners) are given intensive training to seamlessly work together. The fully trained service dogs are then DONATED to their selected veterans. Hounds and Heroes service dogs are trained for Mobility Assistance, MS, Parkinson's, PTSD, TBI, and other issues that affect the returning warrior. AGA’s Hounds and Heroes has been placing trained greyhound service dogs with veterans since May 2011.
Blue Star Service Dogs
Hamburg, MI
The mission of Blue Star Service Dogs is this: We Rescue One to Heal Another. Blue Star Service Dogs rescues shelter dogs, trains them, pairs them with combat veterans diagnosed with invisible wounds, and continues their training together to be service dogs. We support veterans, their families, and service dogs to achieve the transition from military to civilian life.
Brothers and Sisters in Arms Dog Training
Leesville, LA
Brothers and Sisters in Arms Dog Training, Inc. is focused on providing high-quality trained service dogs to qualified active duty military members, military veterans, first responders, and their special-needs dependents. We do work with civilians on a case to case basis due to available trainers
The mission of the Training Dogs - Saving Warriors is to unite individuals impacted by Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), autism, epilepsy, mobility, diabetes, developmental disabilities, or other mental health problems with dogs rescued from shelters.
These dogs are evaluated by a certified trainer and deemed viable to nurture a healing and rejuvenating bond. The result is a positive, non-judgmental, unconditional relationship, desperately needed by both. Our services are free to veterans, active duty Soldiers, first responders, and their special needs family members.
Call Sign Canine
Frenchtown, NJ
The original 501-C-3, K9 Soldiers, Inc. was started in 2008 with a mission to support military working dogs downrange. In 2010, we were contacted by a Pararescue Jumper SSgt August O’Neill seeking a “service dog”. We investigated service dog providers and found flaws in the delivery of qualified dogs to veterans. That’s how we became Call Sign Canine.
Call Sign Canine aims to provide a correctly trained service dog specifically to assist with the need(s) of the special operator veteran, at absolutely no cost. We believe in expeditiously providing a dog without any compromise on quality. We provide trained service dogs to special operator veterans only. We also provide dogs to veterans who get referred by government agencies.
Canine Angels
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and surrounding areas, from Georgetown to Wilmington, North Carolina
Our mission is to save dogs from our local shelters, obedience train and place them in foster homes for socialization and advanced training, and to certify them as working service dogs. We then donate them to our disabled American veterans for free!
Canine Battle Buddies for Wounded Warriors
El Paso, TX and Shreveport, LA
We are a volunteer run organization providing Service Dog Public Access training LOCALLY ONLY for Veterans with PTSD in the El Paso, TX and Shreveport, LA.
Canine Companions for Independence
Regional centers across the U.S.
Canine Companions for Independence® provides highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge. The most advanced technology capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities has a cold nose and a warm heart!
Canine Partners for Life
Pennsylvania
Canine Partners For Life (CPL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs, home companion dogs, and residential companion dogs to assist individuals who have a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. Based in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, CPL places service dogs nationwide. Home companion dogs are generally placed within a 250-mile radius of the campus (sometimes further) and residential companions are place within a 100-mile radius of the campus.
Each CPL dog receives a comprehensive and customized training program to meet the specific needs of their human partner. Depending on the assigned program, the dog will receive up to two years of training before being trained to work with its person. CPL has one of the strongest follow-up programs in the industry to ensure the success of each team throughout the lifetime of the partnership.
Canines and Heroes for Independence (Brigadoon)
Bellingham, WA
Brigadoon is honored to introduce a program for veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The veterans who are diagnosed with these conditions have a difficult time handling the stress and the memories of the event which impacted their ability to perform day to day functions, interact normally with family and friends, and maintain gainful employment.
The name of this program is CHI – Canines and Heroes for Independence.
When teamed with a well-mannered service dog the veteran is able to receive a vitally important reality affirmation when the dog is summoned. Tactile stimulation can be very calming under stressful situations.
The dog can be trained to nudge his partner to “snap” the veteran out of a frozen moment caused by anxiety or wake him up while having nightmares, or night terrors by turning on a light. The veteran can give a cue for the dog to stand between himself and other people to feel more comfortable in public places.
Canines for Veterans (Canines for Service)
National program
Canines for Veterans is a national program that provides veterans with disabilities quality trained service dogs. The program works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service dogs for the wounded and injured veteran. Known as the “triple win” the Canines for Veterans program has twice been awarded a Newman’s Own Award for program innovations supporting our military and their families and have recently been approved by the US Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program.
Military Prisoners Training Service Dogs - The MCIE Brig program is one of only two service dog training programs in the United States conducted in a military prison. It has been an exceptional program for advancing CFS and improving conduct at the Brig. CFS training staff and the Brig Conduct Board interview and select military inmates for this program. Those that excel in these boards are selected and assigned a service dog in training. There is an average of 10 inmates in the program at any given time, and under the guidance of CFS staff, they are taught how to train.
Circle of Change
Illinois
Circle of Change seeks to help veterans who suffer from the effects of traumatic events by providing both dog training and handling experiences in order to develop confidence, respect, and trust, thereby improving the veterans’ quality of life, self esteem and social skills.
Companions for Heroes
Nationwide
Companions for Heroes provides companion animals and skilled companion dogs, obtained from shelters and/or rescues, free of charge (after reimbursement) to active duty military personnel, military veterans, and first-responders recovering from the psychological challenges they suffered during service to our country. Companions for Heroes increases public awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other challenges confronting our country’s heroes; and rally’s support for animal welfare and the adoption of shelter and/or rescue animals.
DAVK-9
Hot Springs, AR
Welcome to DAVK9 Service Dog Certification Project. Certify your dog. Accredit your organization. This site is dedicated to helping veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) acquire, train and certify a Service Dog. The DAVK9 project provides veterinary care for service dogs of veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to ensure that veterans will not have to be worried about their dog's health.
DFW Canine Rescue & Service Dogs
North Texas
We offer Mobility Assistance Service Dogs to disabled people & PTSD Dogs to Military Veterans. We offer two different programs for Service Dog Training. And we now offer Service Dog Certifications! We work with many different dog breeds including pure & mixed dogs. Lots of our service dogs are rescues that just needed a job! We do not discriminate against breeds of dogs, rather the dog's ability of the dog to learn and cope with the duties of a service dog.
We make every effort in matching up the needs of the client to the abilities of their future partner. Having a service dog has given me my life back, self-confidence and mobility to do things again. This is why we started this program; we feel everyone should have a service dog that needs one! At DFW Canine Rescue & Service Dogs we understand the importance of having a service dog because I am disabled myself! Let our trainers get you back on the path to freedom!
Doggoneexpress
Chase, LA
Our mission is to provide services to shelters and rescue groups for training and transporting adoptable dogs. One of our projects includes Companions for Life, a training program to provide service dogs to returning soldiers and others with needs for the physical or emotional support a dog can offer.
Dogs for our Brave
St. Louis, MO
Our mission is to provide professionally trained service and companion dogs at no cost to veterans who have suffered debilitating injury or illness while in service to our country. Our goal is to use rescue dogs at every opportunity, thus saving two lives at once. In order to fully realize our mission without adding financial burden, we also provide a continuum of free support that covers all food, veterinary care, and pharmaceuticals for the life of the dog.
Dogs of Honor
The mission of Dogs of Honor is to inspire hope and provide relevant information to veterans in need.
Dogs of Honor.US has been created to raise awareness, support our warriors, and provide relevant information that can provide and direct veterans with PTSD toward a world of realistic treatment options. In this case, the use of canines that can unconditionally connect with the veterans and help shepherd them back into the America they volunteered to defend.
Dog Tags (Puppies Behind Bars)
New York, NY
Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who’ve Served Us was established by Puppies Behind Bars to provide service dogs to veterans returning home from Iraq (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF) who have suffered a physical injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or exhibit Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Puppies Behind Bars provides service dogs to veterans completely free of charge.
Dog T.A.G.S. Program
Pennsylvania
Dog T.A.G.S. (Train Assist Guide Serve) is a service dog owner training program for veterans suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). The veteran trains his/her personal dog with the help of experienced dog trainers. We have veterans who have served in conflicts ranging from Vietnam to present day Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dog T.A.G.S. was incorporated on December 6, 2012. The Founders of the organization are all veterans suffering from combat caused PTSD who knew the need for a program like this to help them heal. The program meets one day every week for two hours at the OTCH Dog Training Club located at 1 Souder Court, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. The veterans have the opportunity to share their thoughts in a group setting with a social worker and then train their dogs to become their service dogs with qualified trainers to instruct and review training tasks.
Faithfully K9
Colorado
Faithfully K9 Service Dogs is a nonprofit that trains individuals with a disability (50% of which are veterans) to train their dog to become their service dog. We work with PTSD, mobility and hearing. We meet with clients for an hour a week at or near their home within our service area to train them to train their dog, then they work with their dog every day for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Veterans and 1st responders are not charged for our training.
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
Nationwide and Canada
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to promoting increased independence to men and women who are blind by providing them with the highest quality guide dogs. We are a non-profit organization based in Bloomfield, CT. We breed, train and place our own, unique type of German Shepherd guide dogs with people who have visual disabilities.
4 Paws for Ability
Xenia, OH
To honor the many service men and women who are still suffering from the conflicts of war, 4 Paws for Ability will be making service/assistance dogs available to help them lead a more independent life. A special fundraising effort is being launched to be able to place dogs free to selected disabled veterans of the most recent wars on terror stemming from the tragic events of 9-11.
While other organizations are assisting veterans with brain injuries and loss of sight, 4 Paws has selected to assist veterans with mobility problems or hearing loss resulting from combat injuries. The disability may be a loss of a limb, balance issues, spinal injury, deafness, or other.
4 Paws for Patriots
Winchester, CA
4 Paws 4 Patriots is a 501(c)(3) (pending) non-profit organization established to provide free service dogs to disabled veterans across the United States. We utilize various resources including staff trainers, contract trainers and local animal shelters to provide service dogs, training, and equipment to Disabled American Veterans across the country.
Freedom Dogs
San Diego, CA
Freedom Dogs offers custom-trained specialty service dogs to wounded members of the military returning from armed conflict. It is reported that 40% of all returning troops suffer from PTSD. Many of these returning men and women are so mentally, physically or spiritually broken that they have little hope of returning to mainstream life.
Our unique Partner Program pairs a specialty service dog/trainer team with these heroes on a short-term, intermittent basis as an adjunct to their rehabilitation. These teams help reintegrate these young men & women back into society and normal activities of daily living.
Additionally, we offer custom trained specialty service dogs for permanent placement with these deserving warriors.
Freedom Service Dogs of America
Nationwide
Our mission is to acquire and train dogs that have the potential to successfully undergo and complete the rigorous seven to ten month training that allows them to assist people with disabilities, thus increasing their independence and peace of mind. We focus our efforts on donating these wonderful animals to disabled military veterans to help restore some normalcy to their difficult lives. Virtually all Freedom Service Dogs are rescued themselves from shelters. Those that do not fulfill all the comprehensive training requirements are found adoptive homes.
Genesis Assistance Dogs Inc.
West Palm Beach, FL
The mission of Genesis Assistance Dogs Inc. is to provide ability and independence to transform the lives of people with disabilities, through the training and placement of highly skilled assistance dogs in Florida for children and adults.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc.
Williston, FL
There are over 52 million people or approximately 20% of our population in the United States that are mentally and/or physically handicapped and those numbers continue to grow significantly each year. It is estimated that with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that there is an additional 25% to 30% increase in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). There are over 11 million people who require assistance with one or more daily activities such as walking, picking up dropped items, answering the phone, etc. Roughly 12 million others require a wheelchair or some other ambulatory equipment such as a cane, walker or crutches. The assistance these disabled people require not only strips them of their individual freedoms and quality of life, but also, often creates an enormous burden on the caregivers and community.
It is our goal, that by combining our business skills and specialized training abilities that we can bring dignity and independence to many of these disabled people through the use of our specially trained service dogs. For that purpose, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. was founded in north central Florida. Though the southern United States has the highest numbers of disabled people, we are improving the lives of special needs individuals everywhere and have paired dog teams from Florida to California.
Hawaii Fi-do Service Dogs
Hawaii
Hawaii Fi-Do is dedicated to be part of the healing process of our retuning US servicemen and woman suffering from PTSD and other war related injuries. These injured veterans not only bear the physical wounds but also the mental scars of battle while in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The psychological wounds are just as devastating to service members and their families as physical wounds. Our dogs can alert, distract or respond to situation and act as the focal point as a coping strategy to ride out the symptoms in addition to offering therapeutic benefits both mentally and physically.
Healing 4 Heroes
Peachtree, GA and Lafayette, LA
Healing4Heroes has dual purposes in that it serves the community by helping military personnel and veterans as well as local animal shelters by rescuing suitable dogs. Our military personnel and veterans move forward, living more productive lives after being wounded both physically and/or mentally with the assistance of service animals. The lives of unwanted shelter dogs are saved by becoming trained service companions. Service dogs are free of charge to the veteran.
Healing Paws For Warriors
Florida
A veteran founded / veteran led, 501(c)(3), Healing Paws for Warriors is dedicated to providing Post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) a rescue-to-trained ADA-certified service dogs at "no cost" to the veteran with continued support after completing the program.
Hero Dogs
Maryland
Hero Dogs, Inc., a Maryland 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, improves quality of life for our nation’s heroes by raising, training, and placing service dogs and other highly skilled canines, free of charge with lifetime support of the partnerships.
Hero Labradors
Decatur, TX
We provide high quality, purpose-bred puppies to service dog training programs for veterans and first responders.
Hiatus Ranch
Shoshone, ID
The mission of Hiatus Ranch is to restore the mental, physical, emotional health and vitality of veterans, active duty, first responders, rescue horses, and animals in a tranquil, structured environment while providing housing, meals, optional mental health services, financial management as a part of a rehabilitation program.
Hiatus Ranch’s newest service for our combat veterans is our service dog program. We are raising Belgian Malinois that will be trained to assist veterans in various capacities.
K9 Camo Companions
Western Michigan
Our veterans make sacrifices every day, many that do not end with their time in the service. As a way of thanking veterans and their families for their service, we have found a valuable connection with companion animals that provides peace and comfort. Our team of volunteers is dedicated to finding the most appropriate match by resourcing many rescue organizations in the west Michigan Area. Once a Veteran K9 connection has occurred, we offer six week Canine Good Citizen classes and certification.
K9s for Camo
Springfield, MO
Service dogs for veterans at no cost. Rescued shelter dogs. Trained by prisoners.
K9s for Veterans, NFP
K9s for Veterans, NFP is dedicated to helping veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by providing them with service dogs. We’re honored to help the men and women who so bravely served our country with dogs that dramatically improve their quality of life. While there are many service dog organizations, K9s for Veterans is proud to say that we offer some unique benefits to veterans.
EXPEDITED PLACEMENT – The average length of time to find a match and place a properly trained service dog is 6-9 months for K9s for Veterans. Unfortunately, it can take years with some other organizations.
FREE FOOD AND BASIC MEDICAL CARE – As you know, many of our veterans struggle financially when returning to civilian life, so adding the expense of a dog can be challenging. K9s for Veterans, stands by our veterans for the life of their service dog with free food and basic medical care.
All of this is made possible thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers, the generosity of our amazing donors and people like you who refuse to let our veterans be forgotten. Our mission is to place service dogs to help veterans cope with PTSD so they can live happy and productive lives after their military career ends.
K9s for Warriors
Palm Valley, FL
The K9s For Warriors program is a unique, three week, in house program for Post 9/11 active duty troops and veterans who are diagnosed with PTSD or TBIs. Warriors live together, train together, eat together and recover together. Additionally, 95% of our service dogs are former shelter dogs. Give a new leash on life to rescue dogs and military heroes.
K9s on the Front Line
Portland, ME and Jefferson City, MO
K9s on The Front Line is a Maine-based nonprofit organization providing certified, trained service dogs to military veterans who are affected by PTSD and/or TBI, at no cost to our veterans.
K9 Warriors Inc
Galloway, NJ
K9 Warriors Inc. mission is to provide the most elite service dogs for veterans living with PTSD & TBI at no cost to them.
Definition: Elite service dogs are individually trained to perform a minimum of eight to ten tasks, Search & Rescue (SAR) or a sport that mitigates and assist the disabled veteran encouraging an active lifestyle.
Labs for Liberty
Morgan, UT
The mission of Labs for Liberty is to acknowledge, honor, and empower members of United States Special Operations Forces by providing service dogs for PTSD and physical needs.
Last Chance Arkansas (Paws 4 Hope)
Little Rock, AR
Paws 4 Hope LCA is a non-profit organization which rescues exceptional dogs and trains them to help people with exceptional needs. As a sub-division of Last Chance for Arkansas Animals, our mission is to support LCA. Rescuing dogs is core to what we do. These amazing animals are given a second chance at life and most often they will go on to graduate as a fully certified Service Dog. Realizing the outstanding potential of some dogs in rescue facilities, Paws 4 Hope LCA works with the Arkansas Department of Correction’s Paws In Prison (PIP) program to place rescue dogs with inmate trainers and teach them how to train the dogs as service/assistance dogs, educational assistance dogs or therapy dogs for various types of facilities as well as skilled family pets.
Maine Paws for Veterans
Brunswick, ME
Maine Paws for Veterans is a non-profit corporation established as Embrace A Vet in 2012. Founded by the late Joy Johnson, Embrace A Vet initially focused on retreats for veterans and spouses and later on service dog training for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress. In 2021, Maine Paws for Veterans was established to provide service dog training and support for veterans with military-related Post-Traumatic Stress. Maine Paws for Veterans and Embrace A Vet have graduated approximately 130 teams of veterans and service dogs since 2012.
Merlin's KIDS
Midland Park, NJ
We rescue, rehabilitate, and train shelter dogs into service dogs for children with autism and other special needs, PTSD and mobility for veterans, and disease detection dogs for firefighters and first responders. Each dog is trained specifically for the needs of the individual.
Our dogs are trained on:
- Mobility Assistance: paralysis, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, hypotonia, and more!
- Health Alerts: Seizures, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and more!
- Cortisol Detection: PTSD, ASD, and more!
- Cancer Detection: local and systemic, real time and samples.
NEADS Assistance Dogs (Canines for Combat Veterans)
Princeton, MA
NEADS…
- Has placed over 1300 assistance dog teams since 1976
- Is accredited by Assistance Dogs International
- Is endorsed by therapeutic professionals
- Serves numerous repeat and long-term clients
- Matches each client with a custom-trained dog
- Begins each dog’s training at 8 weeks old and continues through adulthood
New Horizons Service Dogs
Florida
New Horizons Service Dogs, Inc. (NHSDI) fosters relationships between service dogs and disabled Florida veterans for a lifetime of unconditional love, mobility, and independence. NHSDI has served over 200 clients in the state of Florida, several of whom were veterans with disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and a multitude of severe orthopedic conditions.
Next Step Service Dogs
San Diego, CA
Our mission is to renew the lives of veterans and first responders with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and/or Military Sexual Trauma through the training and placement of highly trained service dogs.
Next Step Service Dogs was founded in 2012 in Escondido, CA. The focus of NSSD is to implement a new flagship program to serve military men and women who would benefit from the use of a service dog for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and also for those military men and women who would benefit from a career training service dogs for their fellow warriors.
NSSD is reducing the surging demand for well-trained and effective service dogs by supporting clients in training their own dogs for service or by pairing them with suitable donated dogs to train.
Next Step Service Dogs does not charge for service dogs or their training and supports each dog through its lifetime.
Northwest Battle Buddies
Battle Ground, WA
Our mission: empowering combat veterans with PTSD to regain their freedom and independence by partnering them with professionally trained and specifically matched service dog specifically matched service dogs at no charge - to serve those who have served us all.
Operation Delta Dog
Chelmsford, MA
Operation Delta Dog is a nonprofit organization with a mission to rescue homeless dogs and train them to work as service dogs for veterans who are suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other challenges.
Operation Dog Tag
Washington
Operation Dog Tag trains dogs for veterans returning from combat dealing with PTSD and TBI. Operation Dog Tag is a Spokane based non-profit organization under Pointman International Ministries. We are dedicated to all of our men and women who served in combat and their families who love them. We teach and instruct these veterans to train qualified service dogs for other combat veterans to meet their critical needs, whether for assistance with post traumatic stress or crutches, canes, walkers and wheel chaired. We are very determined to help veterans and their families begin living their lives again, as we “Make Man’s Best Friend Even Better For A Veteran.”
All the dogs that are trained through Operation Dog Tag either come from the Spokane Humane Society or are dogs already owned by the veteran. There is no cost to the veteran who is receiving a dog!!
Operation Freedom Paws
Gilroy, CA
Operation Freedoms Paws works to empower veterans and others with disabilities to live a quality life. We do that by teaching them the skills to train their own service dog, capitalizing on the ability of the canine human relationship to help them regain their purpose, worth and value to society and their community. We train the individual to train their own dog, and then certify them together as a Service dog team.
Operation K9
Spring Branch, TX
Operation K9 is dedicated to training service dogs for our wounded military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury or have physical injury(s), sustained in combat, that warrant the need for a service dog.
Operation K9 is a non-profit organization which launched in early 2012 and was officially designated a 501(c)(3) organization in September 2012. All of our staff are volunteers and all donations go directly to the mission of training service dogs. Joan Moss, one of the founders of Operation K9, brings over 40 years of dog training experience in both environments, civilian and law enforcement.
Each dog has a comprehensive training program to meet the individual needs of the selected veteran. Operation K9 adheres to the ADI training standards and is actively working towards accreditation.
Operation Overwatch
Bandera, TX
Operation Overwatch is a nonprofit service dog training program started by Marine veteran Brice Cavanaugh. With a team of skilled trainers and therapists, Operation Overwatch offers a service dog training and treatment program for veterans and first responders suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or Traumatic Brain Injury as well as mitigating the effects of impaired mobility.
We believe in healing at both ends of the leash. We rescue dogs from shelters across the United States and train them to become skilled service dogs for veterans and first responders that we refer to as the “Warrior Class”.
Operation Paws on the Ground
Newington, CT
Operation Paws on the Ground is dedicated to helping both veterans and canines save each other through a union like no other.
Operation Wolfhound
Our mission at Operation Wolfhound is to provide Armed Forces veterans with dogs that will serve as companions and help them adjust to civilian life.
PAALS Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services
Columbia, SC
PAALS places service dogs with Soldiers and veterans with combat-related injuries, whether they aid with the mental, physical, or combination of disabilities.
Painted Paws for Veterans
Canon City, CO
Painted Paws for Veterans is dedicated to assisting veterans and their families in adopting canine companions from animal shelters and rescues, in order to provide emotional support and a way to reconnect to life and family, both during and after military service.
In addition to our adoption assistance program, we also offer service dog training, therapy visits, veteran retreats and public education on PTSD and other veteran emotional issues. Browse our site for more information about our programs, and the benefits of owning or spending time with a canine companion.
For those veterans whose living conditions prevent them from adopting a dog, we plan to offer weekend retreats on a five acre ranch in Cotopaxi, Colorado. There, the veteran will be able to spend time with a canine companion in a calm, quiet environment.
Patriotic Service Dog Foundation
Orange, CA
Patriotic Service Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on serving our veterans by raising awareness for their needs and providing service dogs to those who may benefit from long-term mental and physical assistance.
Patriot K9s of Wisconsin
Wausau, WI
At no cost to qualified veterans, we educate and train psychiatric service dog teams to have a fulfilling and meaningful life in the community of their choice. Our goal is to help veterans win the war against suicide, depression and anxiety by empowering them with the use of a service dog.
Patriot Paws Service Dogs
Rockwall, TX
Patriot PAWS trains and provides service dogs for the benefit of disabled American veterans in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence, and to provide a service for other American’s with mobile disabilities.
Patriot Rovers
High Point, NC
The mission of Patriot Rovers is to provide professionally trained and certified Psychiatric Service Dogs, instruction, and therapeutic group comraderie to Veteran men and women struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury as a result of their service to our country and restore their physical and emotional independence.
Patriot Service Dogs
Jacksonville, FL
Patriot Service Dogs, Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping our disabled military community gain a sense of independence through their partnership with a well trained service dog.
PawPADS (Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs)
Savage, MN
Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Savage, Minnesota that provides highly trained assistance dogs to persons with disabilities.
Paws & Effect
Des Moines, IA
Paws & Effect is a non-profit that trains and places psychiatric service, mobility, and therapy dogs with veterans diagnosed with PTSD and others.
Paws and Stripes
Rio Rancho, NM
Paws and Stripes™ is a nonprofit organization for wounded veterans of our United States military that works to provide service dogs for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. The service dogs are obtained only from shelters and are trained by professionals specializing in service dogs. It is the aim of this organization to provide these dogs and training for no cost to the veteran.
Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE)
Cornelius, OR
PAVE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs for veterans with mental and/or physical disabilities and to advance public knowledge of service dogs and the essential roles they play.
Our organization is dedicated to improving the lives of veterans suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities through trained service dogs, empowering them and their families to achieve lifelong successes and to pave their way home.
Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors
Palos Heights, IL
Paws Assisting Wounded Warriors is dedicated to training service dogs for disabled veterans!. We are committed to providing these trained service dogs and all related expenses at no cost to our veterans.
Paws for PatriotsTM (Southeastern Guide Dogs)
Florida
Southeastern Guide Dogs' Paws for Patriots™ Program provides professionally trained guide dogs, 26 days of residential training and lifetime follow-up services to American veterans - free of charge. The program also provides therapy dogs to individuals and military facilities such as the National Naval Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Paws for Peace (Embrace a Vet)
East Harpswell, ME
The Paws for Peace program was initiated after recognizing the lack of opportunity for veterans in Maine living with PTS(d) and or TBI to obtain service dogs. EAV offers assistance with locating dogs and providing various levels of training depending upon the needs of the veteran. Training is done in a group setting with other veterans under the direction of a professional trainer.
Paws for Purple Hearts
DC Metro , San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco Bay, Fairbanks, AK
For warriors and veterans suffering from the visible and invisible wounds of war or service, Paws for Purple Hearts is transforming and dramatically improving the lives of those facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and Mobility Impairments.
We pioneered Canine Assisted Therapy in which we involve warriors with PTS, TBI, or MST in the training of service dogs for their injured comrades – Warriors Helping Warriors. Interacting with our puppies and dogs under the caring supervision of our professional trainers reduces the severity of trauma related symptoms and use of prescription drugs while speeding recovery.
All of the Paws for Purple Hearts services and canines are provided free of charge to warriors and their families at a host facility or one of our growing number of facilities throughout the United States. (DC Metro Area, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area and Fairbanks, Alaska)
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on volunteers and the generous support of Patriots like you.
Paws for Troops
Sherman Oaks, CA
Paws for Troops is a group of volunteers that are enabling military veterans and animals to heal from trauma together.
It is our belief that animals are healing and they offer a level of acceptance to us that is unequaled. With that in mind, we also believe that the military training the veterans have received bring a level of trust to animals in distress.
As an organization, we are looking to assist military organizations, such as the VA, the America Legion and others, by facilitating the veterans as volunteers at local animal shelters and rescue groups.
The goal, at all times, is to maintain dignity for both the veterans and the animals. We believe that we can assist in raising the awareness for the needs of both group and this can offer new opportunities for the veterans.
Paws 4 Hearts Working Therapy Dogs
San Antonio, TX
Paws 4 Hearts Working Therapy Dogs is a non-profit organization dedicated to “changing lives one paw print at a time.”
We are an exceptional and elite group of highly trained therapy dog teams that offer pet assistance therapy. Based in San Antonio, Texas, we evaluate and train all interested dog teams in the San Antonio and surrounding areas. We currently have therapy teams based out of Texas and Washington. Our teams provide smiles and encouragement, as well as physical and emotional support for many.
We visit hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, military facilities, schools, and other specialized facilities - where ever our physical and emotional support is needed most. Our working therapy dogs are making a difference one paw print at a time.
Paws 4 Liberty
Lake Worth, FL
Paws 4 Liberty, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the independence of physically and emotionally disabled Soldiers and others in need by raising, training and placing quality service dogs. Our mission is to raise, train and place quality service dogs with disabled Soldiers and others in need.
Paws of War
Smithtown, NY
Our mission is to train and place shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to our United States military veterans that suffer from the emotional effects of war such as PTSD.
Pawz 4 Wounded Vets (Canine Support Team)
Temecula, CA
When wounded soldiers go through rehabilitation therapy, they are surrounded by men and women who have shared their experiences in battle. But when they return home, these veterans leave this support system behind, and some may have concerns when making the transition back to civilian life. Not only does a service dog provide assistance with daily activities, the dog serves as a bridge: people focus on the dog, not the disability, and this leads to conversation and acceptance. For some veterans the dog gives them the motivation to continue to conquer the challenges of everyday life.
Canine Support Teams provides service dogs free of charge to those who have been wounded in the service of our country and who are now seeking the enhanced mobility and independence as assistance dog offers.
Pets for Patriots
Nationwide
Pets for Patriots is a nationally-operating charity saving lives through companion pet adoption for service and veteran members of the United States military. Through our network of adoption partners, we pair at-risk shelter dogs and cats with veterans in need of a loving, therapeutic companion pet.
To ensure these bonds are healthy and enduring, Pets for Patriots reduces the overall costs of pet ownership for military personnel through access to ongoing discounted veterinary care, contributions towards the purchase of pet food and other essentials and sponsor-provided pet discounts. Applicants are welcome from any armed forces and at any stage of their careers. Learn more at www.petsforpatriots.org and let us help you find your new best friend.
Pets for Vets
Regional chapters in various states
The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from having a companion animal.
This is a win-win way to give back to our troops who have given so much to us. They fought hard for our country and made us proud. Pets for Vets is a concrete way to say thank you and to benefit our returning veterans.
Many of our Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans suffer from physical and emotional injuries making it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Pets for Vets can help! Our goal is to heal their wounds by bringing together man’s best friend and our returning soldiers while showing them both that we have not forgotten.
Pets Healing Vets
Indiana
Pets Healing Vets pairs qualifying veterans returning from active duty with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with shelter animals in need of homes. This program offered by the Humane Society for Hamilton County serves veterans throughout the state of Indiana.
Our mission is to help rehabilitate veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by pairing them up with a carefully selected shelter dog or cat in need of a home.
Pets Loyal 2 Vets
Minnesota
PetsLoyal2Vets.org is a community based non-profit outreach organization connecting US military veterans throughout Minnesota with trained therapy companion dogs and jobs to veterans.
Our mission is to connect US military veterans diagnosed with PTSD or TBI with companion and therapy dogs by partnering with area animal shelters and rescue organizations at no cost to the veteran.
Pets N Vets
Hebron, IN
Our veterans need and deserve every opportunity to heal. This innovative dog training class gives the wonderful dogs in shelters a chance to live and to serve by helping to heal the stresses, PTSD, and wounds so many soldiers battle when they come home.
Our goal in this training class is to encourage and support the veteran and the dog to be able to pass a Canine Good Citizen Evaluation. The standards are set by the American Kennel Club.
Our training staff will assist the veteran in choosing a compatible dog from the local shelter. The veteran and the dog will attend training classes together to facilitate the formation of the 'Healing Team" while learning new skills.
Pits for Patriots
Chicago, IL
Not just saving one life...but two.
Pits for Patriots is a Chicagoland based organization whose training team is currently training rescued pit bulls to become service dogs for veterans and first responders in need.
The Pits for Patriots Program is a non-for-profit organization that trains qualified, rescued pit bulls, to be service dogs and companions for veterans and first responders in need. The Pits for Patriots Program, is committed to helping our country’s patriots, in addition to educating the public as to the loyalty, devotion, and commitment of the pit bull breed.
Pop Smoke K9 For Veterans
Ormond Beach, FL
Our mission is to help stop veteran suicides by providing veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST with a well-trained service dog to help them live a more productive life after the military.
Project Heal (East Coast Assistance Dogs Inc., ECAD)
Dobbs Ferry, NY
Project HEAL© is a program offered by ECAD. The program honors and empowers Wounded Warriors by providing specially trained Service Dogs to increase independence and make a difference in their lives.
Our Project HEAL© Service Dogs are individually trained by at-risk teens in our ECADemy© program. These specially trained dogs pick up dropped objects, open and close doors, open refrigerators, pull wheelchairs, prevent overcrowding in public, interrupt nightmares and flashbacks, remind to take meds, warn of approaching strangers and reduce anxiety and stress, all the while providing unconditional love and comfort.
ECAD does not charge our Wounded Warriors for these very special Service Dogs. Each veteran is provided with 13 days of Team Training instruction in our Dobbs Ferry, NY facility. Housing is provided at no cost. Veterans must pay for their own transportation to our facility as well as meals and activity costs during Team Training.
Puppy Jake Foundation
Des Moines, IA
The Puppy Jake Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military veterans through the assistance of well bred and highly trained service dogs. Such dogs are expensive, but their costs pale in comparison to the cost of what the veteran, the member of the US Armed Services, has given for our individual freedom and the freedom for our country.
Ray's Hope Rescue
San Clarita, CA
Ray's Hope is a program designed to match military personnel (and any first responders) experiencing PTSD with dogs that otherwise may not be rescued. Once we accept a soldier into our program, we begin our search for his new companion. We start with local shelters, but will reach out to local rescues and even find some dogs who are in a bad situation by word of mouth.
Retrieving Freedom Inc.
Senatobia, MS
Retrieving Freedom Inc. provides service dogs to veterans with disabilities related to combat and non combat service. RFI trains service dogs to help with any service connected disability including Post Traumatic Stress.
Ridgeside K9 Foundation
Winchester, VA
The Ridgeside K9 Foundation takes care of those who took care of us. Giving back to those who gave so much. Addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and psychological trauma in our military and first responder communities. Connecting resources to help assist with emotional recovery, counseling, and life skills through our large support network.
SA K-9's Service Dog Club
San Antonio, TX
SA K-9’s Service Dog Club offers training of service dogs for wounded veterans with PTSD, TBI, MST, and helps families who need autistic service dogs. We work to educate service dog teams on how to handle conflicts that arise in public, to increase public awareness while educating the community on the rights and laws for service dog teams, help in placing rescue dogs that meet the requirements and temperament to become service dogs.
Seal Dog Foundation
Seal Dog Foundation has devoted its energy to passionately serve all veterans and their families by providing specially trained therapy dogs for veterans with combat-related injuries like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and other disabilities. We also provide training for veterans who wish to train their dog to become a service animal.
Semper Fido
New Jersey
The mission of Semper Fido's program is to unite wounded warriors suffering with PTSD with homeless, rescue shelter dogs, who are evaluated and deemed viable, to nurture a healing and rejuvenating bond between the two. The result is a positive, non judgmental, unconditional relationship desperately needed by both.
Semper Fido is a non-profit organization committed to the rehabilitation of service members and veterans that have been injured while defending our country and have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It has been proven that using dogs for mental, as well as physical rehabilitation, can greatly benefit these warriors recovery. Semper Fido has partnered with K9 Basics Dog Training in Marlton, NJ to provide all training for the service member/veteran and their dog as a team. Dogs will be obtained from a number of sources including, but not limited to breeders, rescue groups and shelters.
Semper Fi Service Dogs
West Palm Beach, FL
Veterans, we've been waiting for you! You are in the right place. I started Semper-Fi Service Dogs, a 501(c)3 nonprofit for you, my fellow vet. I rescue shelter dogs and train them as service dogs for you FREE OF CHARGE. I work hard to know you, and our dogs, and make the best match, plus we all do ongoing training as a pack. You're home.
Semper K9 Assistance Dogs
Woodbridge, VA
Semper K9 was founded by OEF/OIF combat veteran Marine Corps Dog Trainer & Kennel Master Christopher Baity and his wife Amanda Causey Baity. Christopher has a passion to help his fellow service members and to provide assisted-Llving K9s for wounded, critically-ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
Semper K9 will use ‘rescue dogs’ from various organizations throughout the United States to give these unclaimed K9s a special opportunity to be the best friend and companion to a service member.
Semper K9 follows the Assistance Dogs International training standards of ‘Assisted Dog Partners’. These K9 Companions provide assistance in a minimum of three tasks to mitigate the handler’s disability. Our K9 Companions are people orientated and confident. These service dogs are not protective or overly active nor require complex grooming as these could present a difficulty for their owner.
Service Dog Express
San Antonio, TX
Service Dog Express was founded to provide the training of service dogs for wounded warriors/veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and civilians with disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc. We also train service dogs for children and adults with disorders that lie on the autism spectrum. Service Dog Express also help clients with epilepsy and mobility issues.
Service Dog Project, Inc.
Ipswich, MA
Service Dog Project, Inc. is a non-profit charity whose mission is to increase the number of service dogs available to people who are mobility-impaired. Our main focus is training Great Danes and other large breed dogs to assist balance-impaired people. This would include, but not be restricted to, Parkinson’s and MS patients. Preference is given to veterans and their families.
Shadow Warriors K-9 Program
Monument, CO
Shadow Warriors Project has partnered with Baden K-9 to provide highly trained service K-9s to disabled private security contractors and veterans. Baden K-9 has over 40 years of experience training the finest and most capable working service dogs in the world.
Through the bond of warrior and K-9, our program brings a renewed sense of purpose and service to our warrior's lives as the K-9s assist with mobility, PTS(D), and companionship. We are proud to be able to provide our warriors with a K-9 at no cost to them, as well as give them the training, tools, and mentoring needed to ensure they are confident in their ability to bond with and handle their K-9.
Receiving a K-9 from Baden is a life-changing experience for all who have had the privilege and honor to undergo what it takes to handle a service K-9. At Shadow Warriors Project, we recognize the absolute necessity for the family to be involved in the process of receiving a service K-9. In addition to bringing healing to our warriors, our ultimate desire is to bring healing to the family unit which we have seen again and again through God’s gift of the K-9.
Service Dogs Alabama
Montgomery,AL
Service Dogs Alabama is a nonprofit organization providing trained service dogs to children and veterans with disabilities in Alabama. Our mission is to rescue dogs from shelters, train them in prisons while helping to rehabilitate inmates and provide the trained service dogs to children and veterans with disabilities and facilities who serve children and veterans.
Shelter to Soldier
San Diego, CA
Shelter to Soldier™ is a non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be service companions for veterans.
Through the Shelter to Soldier™ organization, Graham Bloem will provide military personnel battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or other disabilities with a service dog from a local animal rescue or shelter. Depending on the needs of the service man or woman, a specific breed may also be necessary. The sponsored service dog will serve the critical role of psychological and/or physical assistance for the soldier. Graham’s expertise in training service dogs is unmatched in the field and provides a great platform for him to use his talents to serve our military personnel in honor of their service to our country.
Shepherds for Lost Sheep, Inc.
Colville, WA
Shepherds for Lost Sheep, Inc. was founded by veterans hoping to enrich the lives of other veterans dealing with physical and psychological injuries. Our mission is simple: "To help veterans help themselves heal through the use of service K-9's."
While we primarily train dogs for PTSD, TBI mitigation, we realize that those aren't the only areas of a person's health affected.
We have zero paid staff!!! AND We are proud of it!!! All of our staff volunteers their time, expertise, and talent to assist in each dog's training. What does that mean for the veteran? It means all the money donated goes directly to the dogs!!
Sherri's Project: Wounded Warrior Pack
Oceanside, CA, North County San Diego and surrounding areas
Sherri's Project: Wounded Warrior Pack is a nonprofit group founded by veterans for veterans. Our mission is to assist combat wounded, injured, or disabled veterans of our Armed Forces who would benefit from the use of personally trained service dog. We also provide no cost service dog training for service members who suffer from Military Sexual Traumas (MST.) Sexual assaults within the armed forces are a serious and unfortunately, widespread issue.
We accomplish this by helping them train their personal dog or placing a rescued dog with the veteran. In either case, the veteran and the dog undergo training together to make them a certified service dog team. We can begin the screening and training process within days of being contacted by the veteran, at no cost to the veteran, a distinction which we are proud of.
We are focused on providing world-class service dog training for PTSD / TBI / stability Issues. We will do everything we can to help the service member and their dog get fully trained and certified. We provide these services for combat related issues as well as MST's.
Smoky Mountain Service Dogs
Tennessee
Smoky Mountain Service Dogs is dedicated to serving persons with physical and psychological disabilities by training service dogs to meet client needs, while advancing the knowledge of human and canine interaction, thus leading to more fulfilling and productive lives.
With the exception of certain associated fees, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs will provide our qualified dogs to approved disabled veterans for no charge. Should the veteran and his support team want to raise funds through a fundraiser or make personal donations, it will be greatly appreciated but no approved disabled Veteran will be refused a dog due to lack of funds.
Soldier's Best Friend
Glendale, AZ
Our mission is to provide United States military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a trained Service or Therapeutic Companion Dog, most of these dogs of which will be rescued from local shelters.
Susquehanna Service Dogs
Pennsylvania
SSD trains service dogs or hearing dogs especially for the unique needs of military veterans. We have experience with a wide range of disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans who live in Pennsylvania will receive a dog at no cost due to the generous support of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Eastern Star.
TADSAW - Train A Dog, Save A Warrior
San Antonio, TX
The mission of TADSAW is to provide for the training of a service dog, as designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, for any wounded warrior, active duty or veteran, surviving with PTSD/TBI/MST in order to restore and improve the warrior's quality of life with a canine Battle Buddy at no charge to the warrior.
Tender Loving Canines (At Ease)
San Diego County, CA
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately 30% of the veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TLCAD's At Ease program is designed to give back and help heal our countries heroes by placing custom trained Service Dogs with Wounded Warriors (active duty service members or veterans) with PTSD, TBI and/or mobility issues. Our service dogs help Wounded Warriors to mitigate their disability and overcome challenges that inhibit them from functioning independently within their family and community. Our Service Dogs open doors both literally and figuratively for our Wounded Warriors by performing cues and behaviors that allow them to reintegrate into their families, communities and increase their independence and quality of life.
The Battle Buddy Foundation
West Chester, OH
Our mission is to ensure that veterans and their families receive programs and services that will help them acclimate back to family and civilian life. We will accomplish this by:
- Providing highly trained psychiatric and mobility service dogs and therapy dogs to veterans of all eras suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and physical limitations at no cost
- Connecting veterans to employment opportunities within our network of veteran-focused organizations
- Building a community of peer support for veterans and their families through programs, events, and social media
Founded by veterans to serve veterans, we exist to effect long-term and tangible change in the lives of veterans and their families.
The Sam Simon Foundation
California
We provide service dogs trained for veterans diagnosed with PTSD as a result of serving in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts. Other tasks we may train for include assistance with hearing loss, TBI (traumatic brain injury), and moderate physical limitations due to injury.
This Able Veteran
Carbondale, IL
This Able Veteran specializes in helping American military veterans suffering from PTSD by providing them with a PTSD service dog custom-trained for the individual and teaching the veteran coping mechanisms through our Trauma Resiliency Program. Among other tasks, our service dogs are trained in nightmare interruption and to alert to rising anxiety. Veterans who are selected for the program receive the service dog, travel, equipment and lodging at no cost.
Additionally, This Able Veteran conducts two dog training academies for trainers who wish to learn to train service dogs: A Dog Behavioral Psychology Academy for those looking to become trainers or who wish to improve their training skills; and a PTSD Service Dog Trainers Academy for professional trainers who already have two or more years of experience. There are veteran scholarships available to qualified veterans for the two training academies to help offset the tuition.
Veterans Moving Forward
Catharpin, VA
Our mission is to provide service dogs to veterans with physical and mental health challenges.
Our vision is to be the premier, national, not-for-profit organization for veterans seeking and receiving assistance/service or skilled companion dogs at no cost to the veterans. Be the most effective and trusted resource to provide canine therapy for veterans. Optimize veterans' employment in distributing service dogs to veterans to meet growing demands. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and increase their safety and independence within their environment.
Veterans with Dogs
United Kingdom
We are the UK's first non-profit organisation training assistance dogs to increase independence and improve quality of life for British ex-servicemen and women with "invisible injuries".
We work with veterans to train assistance dogs for the specific needs of trauma related mental health conditions. Training is tailored to each individual based on their own specific needs.
We give veterans the opportunity to meet in an informal and safe environment, amongst peers, and to access professional training and support.
Vets Helping Heroes
Greenacres, FL
Vets Helping Heroes is a not-for-profit organization created to solicit and provide funds for qualified training facilities so that they may provide assistance dogs and training to veterans and active-duty military personnel who have been wounded in the post 9/11 conflicts.
Vets to Vets United, Inc.
Durham, NC
Vets to Vets United, Inc. (Veterinarians to Veterans United, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization consisting of local veterinarians and volunteers working together to provide companion/therapeutic/ service animals and discounted veterinary care to our U.S. military veterans suffering from loneliness, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and physical disabilities. This service will also significantly reduce the number of animals euthanized at the local animal shelters. It is the aim of this organization to provide these services and training at no cost to the veteran.
Wags 4 Warriors
Ohio
The mission of Wags 4 Warriors is to unite veterans returning home from war who suffer from PTSD and/or TBI with an appropriate dog, and to provide all of the training, equipment and support for the dog to become the veterans service dog at NO COST to the veteran. The ultimate goal is for the service dog to take away the struggle the veterans face with everyday life.
War Dogs Making it Home
Chicago, IL
War Dogs helps veterans better manage the invisible and lifelong challenges of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and brain injury (PTSD/TBI) by pairing them with dogs they help rescue and train as service dogs, to be their “four legged lifeline” wherever they go. The service dog becomes the veteran's partner in the struggle to achieve confidence, reconnect with their loved ones, and resume normal activities in their communities.
Warrior Canine Connection
Maryland
Warrior Canine Connection TM (WCC) is a therapeutic service dog training program that harnesses the healing power of the human-animal bond. WCC TM teaches service members with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) the skill of training mobility service dogs to be partnered with veterans with mobility impairments. This worthy mission is specifically designed to reduce the symptoms of PTSD in the warriors who train the dogs--and the great news is, it works! These warrior-trained service dogs are then partnered with veterans to provide them years of loyal companionship as well as an increased sense of well-being and independence.
Working Dogs for Vets
Tennessee
WDFV is a non-profit corporation with programs designed to completely eliminate the cost & waiting list for our veterans in need of a service dog and also greatly help with shelter overpopulation. We provide disabled veterans and veteran’s family members with service dogs. Program dogs are from local shelters, fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and pass an evaluation test (The baseline test to determine if a dog will make a good service animal).
Other service dog support organizations, housing advocacy
Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans (Arlington, VA)
The Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans is a coalition of non-profit service dog providers for military Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma working to prevent suicide and improve military Veterans’ mental health.
SD Gunner Fund
The SD Gunner Fund was created to assist veterans and disabled children with the financial expense of owning much needed service animals. Service animals require a variety of necessary items in order to perform their service. Those items can include but are not limited to: vests, custom harnesses, other assistance items, veterinary visits, and more. Service dogs are trained to support individuals with mobility, hearing, psychiatric, and brain/neurological disabilities. These dogs are professionally trained to meet the individual needs of their partner and completes tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped objects, assisting with daily dressing, or pulling a manual wheelchair. The SD Gunner Fund can also assist veterans and disabled children with a variety of “other” financial assistance if needed.
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