Service Dogs for Veterans

Written By Alexandra Land
Lions member, Steve Blackman

Canine Companions recognizes the urgent and growing need for programs that provide support to veterans with disabilities. Many of the brave men and women returning home from combat with disabling injuries experience a litany of new challenges.

A golden retriever assistance dog looks toward the camera with a focused expression. Text asks if you're ready for the responsibilities of an assistance dog.

Often, they face difficult transitions back to civilian life as well as uncertain futures with new disabilities. Canine Companions assistance dogs can help veterans regain independence, pride and hope. Beyond much-needed physical assistance, the love, loyalty and positivity of a canine partner can make a profound, lasting impact on someone dealing with difficult emotions that are hard to communicate.

She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. Violet is amazing and so well-trained.

- Victor and Service Dog Violet

With the increase in military veterans returning with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), in 2018 Canine Companions launched a pilot program to directly place service dogs with veterans with PTSD.

Dogs are trained in tasks including anxiety and nightmare interruption, turning on lights, retrieving items, and supporting their handler in crowded public situations that might provoke anxiety for individuals with PTSD.

Learn more about the Canine Companions’ Veterans Initiative at Canine.org.

Applicants for the PTSD program must be United States Armed Forces veterans. Currently, this program is only offered in our Northwest and South Central regions, and for any applicants living within 200 miles of our training center in Medford, New York.

The process to receive a Canine Companions assistance dog includes multiple steps. Find out if an assistance dog is right for you and start the process to receive more information.

SUPPORT PUPPY RAISING PROGRAMS

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BECOME A SPONSOR

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Puppy Sponsorship
Puppy Sponsorship
$500.00

Make a meaningful impact by sponsoring a Canine Companions puppy through the Lions Project Puppy Sponsorship program. Your sponsorship helps cover essential early-life expenses such as vaccinations, health care, and travel to the puppy’s new home with a dedicated volunteer puppy raiser.

As a token of appreciation, you’ll receive a commemorative plaque—a lasting reminder of your generous support in helping shape a future service dog’s journey.

What You’ll Receive

  • An 8" x 10" black laminated plaque with a commemorative photo of your sponsored Canine Companions puppy

  • The opportunity to support the life-changing work of service dog placement from the very beginning

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Kennel Sponsorship
Kennel Sponsorship
$1,500.00

Support the care and well-being of future service dogs with a Kennel Sponsorship. Your sponsorship helps provide food, daily care, and essential maintenance for one kennel housing two dogs throughout their Professional Training period with Canine Companions.

This stage of training is critical in preparing dogs for their future roles as life-changing service dogs. Your gift ensures they receive the best care in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment—allowing them to thrive as they learn to serve.

What You’ll Receive

  • A professionally crafted wall plaque

  • A 4" x 6" photograph of a Canine Companions litter

  • Recognition for your role in supporting the development of future assistance dogs

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Graduation Sponsorship
Graduation Sponsorship
$2,500.00

Support one of the most meaningful moments in the Canine Companions journey by sponsoring a graduation ceremony. Your Graduation Sponsorship helps offset essential expenses such as venue rental, setup, publicity, and accessibility services, including a sign language interpreter.

As a valued sponsor, you'll be recognized during the ceremony and receive a handsome commemorative plaque featuring a 5” x 7” photograph of the graduating class—symbolizing the life-changing partnerships made possible by your generosity.

What You’ll Receive

  • A plaque featuring a 5” x 7” horizontal photo of the graduating class

  • The satisfaction of supporting a milestone moment in the lives of clients and service dogs

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Professional Training Sponsorship
Professional Training Sponsorship
$10,000.00

Play a direct role in shaping a future service dog by sponsoring its advanced training. The Professional Training Sponsorship covers the cost of daily instruction, behavioral testing, field trips, and essential supplies during this vital stage of development.

As a token of appreciation, sponsors receive an elegant glass-engraved plaque featuring a 5” x 7” photograph of the sponsored dog—a meaningful keepsake symbolizing the transformative impact of your support.

What You’ll Receive

  • A glass-engraved plaque recognizing your sponsorship

  • A 5” x 7” photograph of the sponsored Canine Companions dog

  • The opportunity to support the advanced training and preparation of a future service dog

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Alexandra Land
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Facility Dogs