“Petco Love K9 Center” Housing Larger-Sized Rescue Dogs in Preparation for
Formal Training as Service Dogs for Veterans with Symptoms of Military Trauma
SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 14, 2021) – Earlier today marked the official opening of the Petco Love K9 Center in San Antonio, a collaboration between nonprofit organizations K9s For Warriors and Petco Love. The new facility becomes the Southwestern U.S. hub of K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to veterans of all eras who are suffering from symptoms of PTSD and other military-related trauma.
The 5,000-square-foot, 30-kennel facility (4630 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78227) is being supported by a $2 million grant from Petco Love and is located adjacent to San Antonio Animal Care Services. The Petco Love K9 Center will house larger-sized rescue dogs that will receive initial veterinary care along with preliminary training until they are ready to be transported to K9s For Warriors’ headquarters in Northeast Florida to begin formal Service Dog training.
With nearly 20 veterans dying of suicide every day, the Petco Love K9 Center ultimately will help K9s For Warriors serve a larger population of veterans. Additionally, in conjunction with K9s For Warriors’ opening of the Petco Love K9 Center, Texans can now name and sponsor a Texas dog and be part of the dog’s journey from rescue to Service Dog: (info@k9sforwarriors.org).
“In partnership with Petco Love, we are elated to join the ‘Military City, USA’ community and strengthen our commitment to combatting the tragic epidemic of veteran suicide,” said Rory Diamond, CEO, K9s For Warriors. “This facility will enhance the lives of countless shelter dogs across Texas by training and empowering them to restore the confidence and independence of their veteran handlers who suffer from military-related trauma.”
“The Petco Love K9 Center will change lives,” said Susanne Kogut, President, Petco Love. “We’re honored to be a part of this unique collaboration alongside K9s For Warriors and San Antonio Animal Care Services to help save more shelter dogs and transform them into Service Dogs that will significantly help the well-being of our nation’s veterans.”
Backed by scientific research demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate veterans’ symptoms of PTSD and other service-related trauma, Warrior/K9 teams build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. K9s For Warriors was founded in 2011 to conquer veteran suicide and has paired nearly 700 veterans with Service Dogs to-date and rescued more than 1,300 dogs overall.
