Service Dog Training Program
For Veterans Battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
A Life-Changing Gift
AT ABSOLUTELY NO COST – The Veteran receives a loyal Service Dog, an exclusive 25-week Service Dog Training Academy enrollment, and all the essential gear needed for this incredible journey, such as leashes, a cozy crate, a secure car harness, a distinguished service vest, an official ID, and a prized K9P4P Certification Record!
K9 Partners for Patriots is commited to the long-term welfare of both the veterans we serve and the dogs we provide.
A Warriors Haven
K9P4P Service Dog Training Campus
On the fringe of an airport industrial park, an unassuming gymnasium-sized structure stands as a sanctuary for warriors who have seen the harshest aspects of life on the battlefield. It’s a haven where veterans and their service dogs come together to heal, support, and thrive in a unique and fierce family environment.
The veterans who find solace here have faced the trials of war and returned with wounds that may not be visible to the naked eye. These scars, both physical and emotional, can often be a barrier to reintegrating into civilian life. But within the walls of this sanctuary, a sense of camaraderie and understanding permeates the air. Each veteran’s journey is respected, and the shared experiences of service create an unbreakable bond.
Service Dogs Are Lifelines
At the heart of this sanctuary are the service dogs, loyal companions who offer more than just unconditional love. They are skilled partners trained to anticipate and respond to their veteran’s needs. Whether it’s providing a reassuring nudge during a nightmare or offering a comforting presence in the midst of a panic attack, these canine heroes play a pivotal role in the healing process.
Loyal K9 Companions
As veterans learn to navigate the complexities of civilian life, their service dogs stand by their side, offering not only practical assistance but also an unwavering source of emotional support. The dogs sense their handlers’ needs, offering a grounding presence during moments of anxiety and a reason to smile during times of despair.
Dedication to Recovery
At the K9P4P service dog training campus, a dedicated environment fosters recovery. Structured routines offer stability, while group therapy sessions encourage open discussions without judgment. Here, seeking help is seen as courageous, not weak.
The community outside K9P4P also contributes significantly, with local businesses providing training opportunities and services to support veterans.
Fiercely Family
K9 Partners for Patriots is dedicated to safeguarding the mental and emotional well-being of our veterans. Our safe, supportive environment offers guidance and strength at every turn.
In this sanctuary, the term “family” takes on a broader meaning. Veterans who may have once felt isolated or misunderstood now find themselves surrounded by peers who share their journey. And alongside these warriors are their steadfast companions — the service dogs who have proven time and again that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found in the bond between a person and their loyal, furry friend. Together, they create an environment that is fierce in its determination to heal, to support, and to thrive.
Transform Your Life
Veterans Learn to Train Their Own Service Dogs
At K9 Partners for Patriots, embarking on the journey of acquiring and nurturing a service dog is truly transformative. It’s not just about gaining a companion; it’s about rediscovering independence, building confidence, and forming meaningful connections. Witness your dog’s remarkable transformation into a highly trained service animal and move beyond self-doubt to newfound confidence.
Our 25-week comprehensive training program, coupled with meticulous rescue dog and veteran matching, offers veterans a beacon of hope and guides them toward a brighter future.
Serving Those Who Have Served
At K9 Partners for Patriots, qualifying veterans receive free assistance and the invaluable companionship of a service dog. This journey brings a loyal partner, renewed purpose, and a resilient spirit to overcome life’s challenges. With our support network, we illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow, one paw step at a time.
Service Dog Training is a Journey
Get on Your Positive Path Forward Today!
K9 Partners for Patriots provides a comprehensive Service Dog Training Program. Our skilled instructors teach each veteran to transform rescue dogs into their own highly-trained service animals. These dogs are not only trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate the challenges our veterans face, but they also offer unwavering emotional support and companionship.
Apply for a Service Dog
Your journey begins with submitting an application. This is the first step towards expressing interest in the service dog program. The application form gathers basic information about the applicant’s disability, lifestyle, and specific needs. K9 Partners for Patriots values open communication, encouraging applicants to share any pertinent details about their situation.
Evaluation & Assesment
Once the application is received, our team reviews the information provided. Applicants who meet the basic criteria move on to the evaluation phase. This involves a thorough in-person interview at the K9P4P Service Dog Training Campus. This helps us understand the veteran’s needs and preferences and their ability to care for and work with a service dog.
Dog Matching Process
The heart of our approach lies in the meticulous matching process. We take great care in pairing each veteran with a rescue dog with the right temperament, skills, and energy level to complement the veteran’s lifestyle. This individualized approach ensures a strong bond and success between the veteran and their future canine companion.
Placement & Training
The training phase begins upon finding the ideal canine match for each veteran. This comprehensive service dog training covers essential obedience commands, specialized tasks related to the veteran’s disability, and the development of a solid handler-dog partnership.
Graduation & Follow-Up
Upon successful completion of the service dog training program, each veteran and their service dog receive a certificate of achievement along with other official service dog team credentials. However, our support doesn’t end there. Follow-up sessions and support are provided to ensure the continued success and well-being of the veteran and their service dog.
- A copy of your DD214 stating Honorable under character of service.
- A letter from a physician, counselor, or VA stating a diagnosis of service-related PTSD, TBI, and/or MST and that you are medically, mentally, and physically able to handle the responsibilities of owning and training a dog.
The letter must be printed on the official letterhead of the provider. A copy of the doctor’s letter template can be DOWNLOADED HERE or on the Eligibility page of our website.
The application process is fast. Our Veteran Liaison will contact you within 3 business days after you submit your application. Once we receive your required documentation, we will schedule your in-person interview.
YES, if you already have a dog, it may be possible for your Pup to join the program with you. Your dog must pass our temperament test and evaluation to qualify for the program. If your dog doesn’t pass, we will find a dog for you with the appropriate temperament to match your needs.
If you have a puppy you’d like to use in the program, you should still apply for the program now. However, you’ll have to wait until your pup reaches 9 months to be evaluated.
Be advised: You must agree to spay or neuter your dog if it’s not already. All dogs must be spayed/neutered before graduating to Service Dog Status.
NO… If you don’t already have a dog, we highly recommend that you let our K9 Acquisition Team find the perfect dog with the proper temperament that best suits your specific needs.
The dogs we provide have been vetted for temperament and meet the requirements of the program. They are spayed/neutered, have had a full medical evaluation, are heartworm-free, and are up to date on all vaccinations.
If you choose a dog independently and it doesn’t pass our temperament testing, it won’t be eligible for the program.
Service Dog Application Process
Comprehensive & Considerate
The application process to become a recipient of a service dog from K9 Partners for Patriots is both comprehensive and considerate. It reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring that every veteran who applies is matched with a dog that perfectly suits their needs and personality.
Accreditation
Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans
Ensuring that qualified organizations pair Veterans with the most beneficial service dogs; increase awareness and understanding of the medical evidence that supports the use of service dogs; and advocate for the expanded use of qualified service dogs.
