Frequently Asked Questions

K9 Partners for Patriots is deeply grateful for the sacrifices of our nation’s first responders and recognizes that they too suffer from PTSD, TBI, and MST. However, we only serve Veterans and Active Duty Service Members of the United States Armed Forces.

The K9 Partners for Patriots Service Dog Training Program is only available to Veterans and Active Duty Service Members of the United States Armed Forces. Spouses, children, and other family members are ineligible.

Applying to the K9 Partners for Patriots Service Dog Training Program is a 3-step process that moves along quite quickly as long as you are responsive to instructions in email correspondence with our Veteran Liaison.

There are no long waiting lists or periods to sweat out. You may have to wait for the next Basic Class to start but once you are accepted into the program, we get you involved right away.

1. Fill out the online application.
2. Within 72-hours you will receive an email from our Veteran Liaison with further instructions regarding the waiver pak, uploading your documents, and completing the background authorization form.
3. Once step 2 has been completed and everything checks out favorably, you will be scheduled for a tentative ‘in-person’ interview.
   Tentative because we are sensitive to the fact that the appointment we set for you may conflict with your schedule. We will work with you to establish an interview time that is convenient for you.

ABSOLUTELY NO CHARGE!

No gimmicks, no strings, no charge – EVER.

The complete  24-week training program, dog, and all necessary equipment are provided to the veteran or service member absolutely FREE OF CHARGE!

K9 Partners for Patriots, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization solely devoted to serving Veterans and Active Duty Service Members of the United States Armed Forces struggling with PTSD, TBI, and/or MST. The K9 Partners for Patriots Service Dog Training Program is NOT available for purchase or open to the general public.

That depends. If you have a dog that is currently working for you, i.e. waking you up from nightmares etc. then, of course, we’re happy to consider your dog for the program. However, before your dog can be accepted into the program they must be able to pass the testing and temperament evaluation to ensure they are capable of performing PTSD service dog work. This test is performed at the K9 P4P Training Campus on the day of your interview.

ALL DOGS MUST BE :

• Stable & confident (no shyness or fear)
• Happy go lucky
• Dog-friendly – no aggression
• Good with adults and children (male and female)
• Up to date on all vaccinations
• Heartworm negative
• Preferably, spayed/neutered. However, if your dog is accepted into the program it must be spayed/neutered before graduating from the program. This is a contractual agreement signed by each program veteran during the onboarding interview.

K9 Partners for Patriots does not discriminate against any type of breed. There are certain insurance liabilities that currently surround bully breeds and therefore present unique housing challenges. Because we procure most of our service dog candidates from shelters and rescues, historical data regarding the dog is lacking at best. Unfortunately, these breeds have been exploited for inhumane and nefarious activities. Without generational, historical information the risk to program veterans and their families is too great.  For these reasons, K9 P4P does NOT and will NOT provide bully breeds to program veterans.

However, if you own a pit bull or bully breed that is currently working for you, i.e. waking you up from nightmares etc. then we will consider your dog for the program. They must pass the testing and temperament evaluation to ensure they are capable of performing PTSD service dog work. This test is performed at the K9 P4P Training Campus on the day of your interview.

ALL DOGS MUST BE :

• Stable & confident (no shyness or fear)
• Happy go lucky
• Dog-friendly – no aggression
• Good with adults and children (male and female)
• Up to date on all vaccinations
• Heartworm negative
• Preferably, spayed/neutered. All service dogs should be altered.

A Service Dog is a Big Responsibility

K9 P4P is devoted to finding and providing the best possible dog to meet each veteran’s specific needs. We do everything we can to get you and your K9 started on the right foot.

Your new battle buddy will be handed off to you fully vetted, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and heartworm negative. You will also receive 1-month flea, tick, and heartworm preventative.

Moving forward, it will be your responsibility to make sure your service dog continues to receive monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventative along with annual check-ups with your veterinarian and vaccinations when needed.

At least 24 weeks.

The K9 Partners for Patriots Service Dog Training Program is a 21-week course that’s split into two separate levels; Basic and Graduate. Prior to starting classes, you must visit the training campus and observe 3 classes to demonstrate commitment.

K9 Partners for Patriots requires annual recertification for as long as the dog is actively working as a service dog.  These recertifications help us to keep up with our veterans’ well-being as well as the well-being and training of their dogs.  It allows us to observe any medical/physical issues with the dogs, i.e., being overweight, toenails too long, in need of grooming, etc.  This also allows us to work any obedience or task training issues with the veteran and their dog that need to be refreshed.

We encourage our veterans to come in and practice with their dogs after they have graduated or to call us at any time if they are having any training issues, but bringing their classes together for recertification helps them to reconnect with their classmates as well. The camaraderie is always here for them.