Second class marks another milestone in the organization’s efforts to end Veteran suicide and improve access to life-changing Service Dogs 

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. — November 2, 2026 — K9s For Warriors, the nation’s leading provider of Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or military sexual trauma (MST), is bringing its national initiative, Operation: Reach Every Warrior, to Phoenix, Arizona this November.  

Launched earlier this year as K9s For Warriors celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026, Operation: Reach Every Warrior was created to extend the organization’s reach beyond its campuses in Ponte Vedra, Florida, and Helotes, Texas, by bringing additional training classes to select cities across the country in addition to the existing monthly classes held at its two campuses. Through this, the initiative aims to increase access for Veterans to receive life-changing Service Dogs and streamlining potential travel hardships. 

Following the inaugural class in El Paso, Texas held in April, the Phoenix class marks the initiative’s second stop. During the class in Phoenix, Operation: Reach Every Warrior will pair four West Coast Veterans with highly trained Service Dogs through a rigorous, residential training program designed to help them learn how to utilize their new battle buddies.  

“15 years ago, K9s For Warriors was founded on a mission to end Veteran suicide,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Daniel Bean. “Bringing Operation: Reach Every Warrior to Phoenix allows us to reach more Veterans living on the West Coast, expanding access to our program while maintaining the quality of care and training our Warriors deserve. We’re proud to continue growing this initiative and bringing our mission to more communities across the country.” 

The second Operation: Reach Every Warrior stop is made possible in collaboration with PetSmart and PetSmart Charities, locally headquartered in Phoenix, whose continued partnership helps K9s For Warriors expand its reach and continue saving lives at both ends of the leash. During the class, participating Warriors will take part in training activities at PetSmart’s headquarters, providing opportunities to strengthen their relationships with their Service Dogs in everyday environments. 

Since 2022, PetSmart and PetSmart Charities® has partnered with K9s For Warriors to help provide life-changing Service Dogs to Veterans living with the invisible wounds of war. Together, they have raised more than $250,000 in support of the mission, including over $165,000 in 2025 through the generosity of PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Treats Rewards members. Beyond financial contributions and Service Dog sponsorships, the partnership extends support by offering VIPP (Very Important Pet Parent) status in the PetSmart Treats Rewards program to Warrior graduates, and participation in special events, including Veterans Day celebrations and the annual parade.  

“PetSmart Charities is proud to partner with K9s For Warriors to help more Veterans access the support of Service Dogs,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. Adoptable dogs in shelters can make ideal candidates for Service Dog training, bringing qualities that help them thrive in this work. When a dog and a Warrior are paired, they learn and grow together—and can have a profound impact on each other’s wellness. We’re grateful to everyone working to make these life-changing partnerships possible.”  

Since its founding in 2011, K9s For Warriors has paired more than 1,350 Veterans with life-changing Service Dogs and rescued more than 2,500 dogs. To learn more about K9s For Warriors, visit k9sforwarriors.org. 

### 

ABOUT K9S FOR WARRIORS: 

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization that provides trained Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Backed by groundbreaking scientific research from the University of Arizona’s OHAIRE Lab, the program demonstrates how Service Dogs can help mitigate symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. The organization is also dedicated to raising awareness about Veterans’ mental health and driving policy-level reform. To date, K9s has paired more than 1,350 Veterans with life-changing Service Dogs and rescued more than 2,500 dogs.   

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Alaina Bundy 

K9s For Warriors PR Manager 

(904) 305-2054 | abundy@k9sforwarriors.org