PONTE VEDRA, Fla. (October 24, 2023) – K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs for Veterans with invisible wounds of war, is honored to announce it has received a grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) for $21,000. This generous funding will enable K9s For Warriors to continue fulfilling its mission of pairing highly trained Service Dogs with Veterans struggling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.
Roughly 20 Veterans die by suicide each day and K9s For Warriors is determined to change that. With the majority of dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. Backed by scientific research, K9s For Warriors empowers Veterans to live a life that they previously did not think was possible thanks to a Service Dog by their side. Many have reunited with their families, gone back to school, found renewed enjoyment in life, and significantly reduced their medications.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation to further our mission to end veteran suicide,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Carl Cricco. “K9s For Warriors has the privilege every day to see the impact a Service Dog has on a Veteran. With a battle buddy by their side, the Veteran returns to a life of dignity and independence. DVNF’s generosity allows us to continue changing Veteran lives.”
Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt.Maj. Ret.), CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation said, “Having access to a service dog has proven time and again to be an incredibly impactful resource for Veterans. The positive effect of having a K9 companion helps mitigate feelings of being alone and provides greater independence in their daily life to any struggling Veteran. DVNF is proud to support K9s for Warriors in their mission to end Veteran suicide.”
To date, K9s For Warriors has paired more than 900 Veterans with highly trained Service Dogs, but there is still so much more work to be done. Currently, over 300 Veterans are waiting for a K9s For Warriors Service Dog and the organization simply could not fulfill its mission without the unwavering support and funds donated from incredible people and organizations like the Disabled Veterans National Foundation.
About the Disabled Veterans National Foundation:
Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom.
DVNF achieves this mission by:
- Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF.
- Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
- Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
- Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community and educating the public accordingly.
About K9s For Warriors:
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With most dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from University of Arizona’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform.
The organization’s operation facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, FL) Davis Family Mega Kennel (Ponte Vedra, FL) Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, Texas) and Warrior Ranch (Helotes, TX).
Find more information at www.k9sforwarriors.org.
K9s For Warriors
Public Relations Team
Dani Bozzini
publicrelations@k9sforwarriors.org
Disabled Veterans National Foundation Contact:
Communications Team
Meredith Fick