K9s for Warriors is a non-profit organization that provides trained service dogs for Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma related to their service. The group helps to end Veteran suicide and to restore dignity and independence to those who have served in the military.

K9s for Warriors matches Veterans with a service dog and guides them through three weeks of training with their new dog free of charge. Service dogs are scientifically proven to lower symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and social isolation while increasing life satisfaction and overall psychological well-being.

Eligibility

If you are a service-connected disabled Veteran with military service after Sept. 11, 2001, then you are eligible to apply. The disability does not have to be physical and can include psychological diagnoses to qualify for the program. Currently, the program does not apply to Veterans who are legally blind or hearing impaired.

You can begin your application for a service dog on the K9s for Warriors website. The application process takes approximately 1-4 weeks. You must include a letter from your doctor that confirms your service-connected disability and states that you are physically and mentally capable of undergoing the 21-day training program. A Mental Health Verification form, four copies of your DD214, a full-length photo for identification, and an agreement to support form from two individuals must also be included in your application.

If you are accepted, you will be put on a wait list which averages approximately 16 to 18 months. Then, you will be paired with a dog based on your personality and activity level. At that point, you would attend the training program in either Ponte Vedra or Gainesville, Florida. Veterans are provided with housing and meals during the training program. Transportation to Florida is not included; however, there is a list of organizations that will assist with travel costs on the K9 for Warriors website.

Click here to visit the K9s for Warriors website, where you can find more information and read testimonials. You can click here to begin your application.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of the VA.


Written and edited by Heather Martin and Kailey Miller, student interns working with VA’s Digital Media Engagement team.

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17 Comments

  1. Mike December 5, 2019 at 23:13

    There is another Service dog trainer that is launching Spartan Canine, a nonprofit that will furnish Emotional Support Service Dogs to all Veterans.
    He has launched a GoFundMe page and is working on a Grant and is taking donations to raise money to buy some land and build a training facility to raise and train these dogs to train for our Veterans. Hes also a Veteran and Professional dog trainer for over 30+ years.
    If we all help[ his nonprofit get on the ground with Donations, Im sure he would be happy to help every Veteran out there that needs a Service Dog.

  2. Johnnie Flores December 5, 2019 at 21:33

    There should be only one standard across the board one for all. And all for one. We are veterans if you served move then 160 days in the military.

    Disable veterans also need help let’s do the right thing

    Blessings

    Chaplain Flo

  3. Charley December 5, 2019 at 17:25

    Being a PRE 9-11 disabled veteran myself I’d like to know the answer to the same question already asked. But I doubt any answers will come from this VA.Gov website. We might get better results if we use the “click here” link and ask the K9 for Worriers people themselves . Just a thought

  4. daniel jon townsend December 5, 2019 at 02:46

    post 9-11?

    • Maryland Sheehy December 6, 2019 at 07:48

      Veterans who served after September 11, 2001.

  5. Robert L. Primeaux December 5, 2019 at 02:03

    You should be taken to court for not helping
    Vietnam Veterans.

  6. Robert L. Primeaux December 5, 2019 at 02:01

    Why is it that you will not provide service dogs for disabled Vietnam Veterans???????????????? You should be taken to court for not helping
    Vietnam Veterans.

    • Tiredof crybaby vets December 5, 2019 at 16:32

      Oh boohoo! Another self absorbed victim crying that life’s unfair. At least this company is able to help some vets. Do something to help yourself instead of whining and participating in your continuous pity party. Oh and yes I am a vet and no I don’t qualify for this program either.

  7. Douglas Hindmarsh December 5, 2019 at 00:37

    Forget about Vietnam? Nicaragua? Panama? Desert Storm? Southern Watch? Everything is OEF OIF.

  8. Sophia Anderson November 27, 2019 at 20:59

    I would edit your comment if you can to delete your personal information. A that’s how you get your identity stolen and B these are blog posts I highly doubt anyone actually monitors these and if assistance is needed you should call in to your local VA center for guidance.

    [Editor: Every comment on this blog is moderated.]

  9. John Ayo November 14, 2019 at 11:54

    Mutts With A Mission is another ADI accredited program that serves Veterans with Service Connected Disabilities from all conflicts.

    http://Www.muttswithamission.org

  10. Chloe Grey November 10, 2019 at 15:57

    Can Veteran with military service at Sept., 2000 also apply ?

  11. Heather Dean Church November 9, 2019 at 01:44

    I am a volunteer live in care provider for a Disabled Volunteer Vietnam Veteran Airforce who has Parkinson’s From agent Orange he really needs a Service Dog for emotional as well as therepudic reasons and I firmly believe that a service animal would be important to his well being and quality of life.
    Thankyou for your time and consideration in this matter Sincerley,
    Heather D Church

    • The dude December 5, 2019 at 01:25

      Delete your comment…

  12. andrew November 6, 2019 at 16:08

    Only for post 9/11? What about veterans who have served prior to that?

    • John Ayo November 14, 2019 at 11:55
      • Glenn Hough December 5, 2019 at 04:07

        We don’t count!!! Viet Man Era vets are still marked as undesirable to the service organizations as well as the VA. They just want us to disappear. I am really tired of this crap. I take nothing away from post 9/11 vets but we were there for our country a a time when we weren’t revered as heros. I’m site this comment won’t make it past Sent site’s moderator.

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