Warrior & Service Dog Program
They Fought for our Freedom. We Fight to Restore Theirs.
Our lifelong program provides Service Dogs to all era Veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or military sexual trauma (MST), at no financial cost.
Saving Lives at Both Ends of the Leash
A Service Dog doesn’t just change the Warrior’s life. It saves it.
Beyond our dedication to serving Veterans, we go the extra mile by saving rescue dogs, giving them a second chance and new purpose as life-changing Service Dogs. Since 2011, we’ve rescued more than 2,500 dogs from 31 states across the country. As demand for our Service Dogs continues to rise, we also collaborate with select purpose-bred and rescue providers to further advance our mission.
We rescue the dog. The dog rescues the Warrior. Each pair represents two lives saved – a Veteran and rescue dog.
How it Works
Each month, about a dozen Veterans arrive at K9s For Warriors for an 18-day residential training program. K9s For Warriors provides a trained Service Dog, housing, meals, equipment, on-campus veterinary care and training in a welcoming environment during this time.
Since the Service Dog is already trained before being paired with the Veteran, the 18-day period is for the Warrior to learn how to use their Service Dog and to build the bond necessary for success.
Once the Warrior graduates with their new battle buddy by their side, we keep up with their journey through check ins and provide additional resources when needed.
PTSD Service Dogs
Our Service Dogs are trained to mitigate PTSD symptoms for our Veterans. The various skills help a Veteran feel calm, especially in public. Our commands, like Lap, Look and Stand ensure the Veteran feels confident in situations they would have otherwise avoided.
Research
Scientific research reinforces what we at K9s For Warriors know: Service Dogs work. This research helps shape public policy initiatives aimed at preventing Veteran suicide and reinforces the impact of Service Dogs. For years, K9s For Warriors has worked with the OHAIRE Lab at the University of Arizona’s College of Veterinary Medicine. We are at the forefront of this important research, aimed at better understanding the efficacy of Service Dogs.
REAL STORIES
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for the program?
K9s For Warriors provides highly trained Service Dogs for Veterans with service-connected invisible wounds. The disability does not have to be combat-related. Applicants must have a verified clinical diagnosis of PTSD, TBI or MST to qualify for our program. We accept applications from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. Qualifying Veterans can apply here.
K9s For Warriors is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and considers all applications regardless of the applicant’s race, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, results of genetic testing, marital status, religion, age, military service or any other basis protected by applicable law.
What is the application process like?
Once submitted, the Warrior Relations department will review the application, perform a background check and conduct a phone interview. This information allows us to determine the most suitable dog for each Warrior’s needs. Once accepted into the program, K9s For Warriors will give a report date. Our team remains in constant communication with Veterans on the waitlist to answer questions, provide emotional support and assist with other needs. Our waiting period is 18-24 months long.
What is the training like?
The training program lasts three weeks. Warriors train at our National Headquarters in Ponte Vedra, Florida or at our Warrior Ranch in Helotes, Texas. Warriors are provided on-site housing, meals and daily training—all at no financial cost.
Day 1 expectations: When you arrive on campus, you will be greeted by a Warrior Relations team member. K9s For Warriors will conduct a personal property search. Unauthorized items may result in immediate dismissal. These items include firearms, alcohol, illegal drugs (including marijuana and CBD) and medication that is not in its original prescribed container.
How are the dogs assigned? Can I choose or bring my own?
K9s For Warriors prides itself in the dog pairing process. The pairing process is done by our Warrior trainers and dog trainers who consider your personality, activity level, etc., and match you with a dog who will best meet your needs.
You will not be able to choose which dog you are paired with. K9s For Warriors does not train owned pets.
What is the cost of the dog and the training?
K9s For Warriors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and our service comes at no cost to our accepted Veterans. The only cost is travel to and from our training location(s), with outside resources available to potentially assist.
What documents are required with the application?
We require a Primary Care Physician’s Report stating that you have been clinically diagnosed with service-connected PTSD, TBI or MST. The PCP Report must also state that you are both mentally and physically capable of sustaining our three-week training program. The completed “Mental Health Verification” form must be attached and filled out by your clinician.
We require the completed “Agreement to Support” form. The Veteran must provide the names and contact information of two individuals who have agreed to provide support to the Warrior/K9 team.
- We require the member 4 copy of your DD214 that shows your signature & status of discharge.
- We also require a full-length photo for identification purposes.
Can I bring someone to the training with me?
No, we do not allow visitors or caregivers to attend training with our Warriors. We do this to give the Warriors a chance to form a relationship with their dog without distraction. Violation of this policy will result in dismissal from the program. Family and caregivers will be invited to attend the graduation on the final day of training, either virtually or in person.
Are Service Dogs allowed to go everywhere with me?
Yes, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, establishments that serve the public must allow Service Dogs to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where the public is allowed to go.