Veterans Start Here
Service Dog Training Program for Veterans
Everything you need to know about eligibility, cost, training, using your own dog and applying to K9 Partners for Patriots.
The Answers You're Looking For
What does it cost?
NOTHING.
The dog, training and required equipment are provided at no cost.
How long is the program?
6-MONTHS.
With weekly
in-person classes.
Where is training held?
BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA
Participants must
attend in person.
Can I use my own dog?
POSSIBLY.
Your dog must meet age, health, and temperament requirements.
Do you provide the dog?
YES.
Qualified veterans are matched with an evaluated rescue dog.
Who qualifies?
ELIGIBLE
Veterans and active-duty service members with the required documentation and diagnosis.
Do I Qualify?
QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK
See whether the program may be a good fit.
Answer five questions to receive a suggested next step. This is a preliminary guide—not an application or guarantee of acceptance.
01
Are you a veteran or active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces?
02
If you are a veteran, does your DD214 Long Form show an Honorable character of service?
“General under honorable conditions” does not meet this requirement.
03
Can both required K9P4P medical release forms confirm a service-related diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or MST?
One form must be completed by your primary care provider and one by your mental health provider.
04
Do any of these circumstances apply to you?
A felony conviction, history of domestic violence, sexual offense, or any form of animal mistreatment, abuse, neglect, or cruelty.
05
Can you attend one 90-minute, in-person class each week for at least 25 weeks in Brooksville, Florida?
K9 Partners for Patriots cannot provide lodging or travel expenses.
YOUR SUGGESTED NEXT STEP
Only a completed application and K9P4P review can determine eligibility and acceptance.
How the Program Works
Veterans do not simply receive a trained service dog. From the first day of class, each veteran actively trains alongside their dog, building the skills, trust and partnership needed to become a successful service dog team.
THE TRAINING JOURNEY
Your six-month journey, one phase at a time.
The program builds skills, confidence and partnership through weekly, in-person training. Select each phase to see what veterans and their dogs can expect.
PHASE 01
Begin Together
From the first day of class, the veteran trains alongside the dog—either an approved dog they already own or a rescue matched by K9P4P.
- Establish the routines and expectations for weekly training.
- Begin learning clear handling and communication skills.
- Start building the trust, focus and partnership every service dog team needs.
PHASE 02
Build the Foundation
Weekly 90-minute classes and practice between sessions turn new skills into increasingly reliable habits.
- Develop foundational obedience and handling skills.
- Practice consistency, focus and teamwork around distractions.
- Prepare the team for more advanced service-dog and public-access work.
PHASE 03
Practice in Real Life
Teams move beyond basic classroom work into controlled simulations and community settings.
- Use scenario rooms representing places such as a store, restaurant and medical office.
- Practice in grocery, urban and wilderness environments.
- Build confidence with vehicle loading, rideshare and TSA-style simulations.
PHASE 04
Graduate & Stay Supported
Graduation marks an important milestone, but K9P4P’s relationship with each service dog team continues.
- Demonstrate the skills required to graduate as a K9P4P service dog team.
- Return for recertification after six months and then annually.
- Receive continued guidance and lifetime support from K9P4P.
This is a general journey map. Training is individualized, and exact timing and activities may vary by team.
Bring Your Own Dog or Be Matched with a Rescue
Some veterans enter the program with a dog they already own. Others are matched with a carefully evaluated rescue dog provided by K9 Partners for Patriots. Both paths begin with determining whether the dog is healthy, temperamentally suitable and capable of completing service dog training.
WHICH PATH APPLIES TO YOU?
Start with your situation.
Both paths lead to the same hands-on training program. Choose the option that best describes you to see what happens next.
BRINGING YOUR OWN DOG
Your dog must be evaluated first.
Owning a dog does not automatically mean the dog is suited for service work. K9P4P evaluates each dog’s health, age and temperament before approval.
If your dog is not approved: the dog cannot enter training, but K9P4P can discuss whether the rescue-match path may be appropriate.
AGE
At least 9 months old
Maximum age is considered individually based on breed and expected lifespan.
TEMPERAMENT
Must pass an evaluation
The dog must demonstrate the temperament needed for service and public-access work.
HEALTH
Must meet health requirements
Required veterinary care and vaccinations must be current before program milestones.
SPAY / NEUTER
Required before graduation
Completing the procedure before training is strongly recommended to avoid an interruption.
BEING MATCHED WITH A RESCUE
Please do not get a dog before applying.
K9P4P’s acquisition team specializes in identifying dogs with the temperament and qualities needed to succeed in service-dog training.
You will not receive a finished service dog. You will be matched with an evaluated rescue and begin training together from day one.
SELECTION
Professionally evaluated
The acquisition team screens potential dogs for health, temperament and training suitability.
VETERINARY CARE
Prepared for the program
Provided dogs are spayed or neutered, medically evaluated, heartworm-free and vaccinated.
MATCHING
Chosen with purpose
The goal is a safe, workable match with the qualities needed for the veteran’s training journey.
COST
Provided at no cost
The rescue dog, training and required program equipment are provided at no cost to the veteran.
What the Program Requires from You
Successful service dog training requires consistency, patience and active participation. Veterans must attend weekly classes, practice between sessions, care for their dog and remain committed throughout the approximately six-month program.
Provided at No Cost to the Veteran
Veterans are never charged for the service dog, training, or required program equipment. K9 Partners for Patriots also provides continued guidance, annual recertification and lifetime support for its graduate service dog teams.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Get application-ready.
The application spans nine steps. Preparing these items first will help you complete it without stopping to find documents or request forms.
This checklist is for your convenience. Selections are not saved or submitted and will reset if you leave or refresh the page.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Review the eligibility requirements and gather the required documentation before beginning your application. Once your completed application is received, a member of our team will contact you within three business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to additional questions about eligibility, dogs, training, attendance and the application process. Please review these answers before submitting a general inquiry.
Are first responders eligible for your services?
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.
Is your program open to spouses or other family members of disabled veterans?
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 not eligible.
Still Have a Question?
If you have reviewed the program information and have a question about a unique circumstance that is not addressed on this page, please contact our team.