Saving Lives, Two at a Time™
Bringing trained rescue dogs to post-9/11 veterans since 2012.
Shelter to Soldier™ is dedicated to Saving Lives, Two at a Time by rescuing dogs from local shelters and preparing them for lives of purpose, service, and companionship. Through our flagship Psychiatric Service Dog Program, we pair highly trained rescue dogs with post-9/11 veterans facing the challenges of invisible wounds. Our Emotional Support Animal Program, Canine Ambassadors Therapy Dog Team, Morale Dog Program, community outreach initiatives, and educational services further extend the healing power of the human-animal bond throughout military and first responder communities. Together, these programs create meaningful connections that foster resilience, improve quality of life, strengthen families, and provide renewed purpose for both the people and dogs we serve.
The Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassadors are a team of certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers who provide no-cost visits of love and comfort to local military personnel, veterans, and their families.
-
Every 69 minutes A US Veteran dies by suicide
On average, 17 Veterans and 1 Active Duty military personnel dies by suicide, every day. They sacrificed everything to protect our freedom, and it’s our turn to give back to them.
-
Every Day An average of 1800 dogs are euthanized nationwide
We rescue dogs that are better suited for a life with a job or may otherwise be overlooked, providing them a future with a purpose and a life that is fulfilled by their bond with a veteran in need.
-
Donna + Forrest
The Shelter to Soldier team welcomed Forrest into our program through the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Subaru and our rescue partners at Calexico Border Paws. Forrest was found as a stray in El Centro, rescued by a kind Samaritan who brought him to the shelter. From there, Calexico Border Paws stepped in and, upon […]
-
Juan + Walden (ESA)
The Shelter to Soldier team adopted Walden from our friends at Labs & More under the generous red star sponsorship of Linden Root Dickinson Foundation! Juan has proudly served in the Army National Guard for the past 15 years, including several deployments and stateside missions. Like many service members, he began experiencing mental health challenges […]
-
Kevin + Indy
Successor Team
The Shelter to Soldier team adopted Indy from Labs & More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Westlake Realty, their first dog for our program! Kevin dedicated 22 years of service to the United States Navy, serving during the Gulf War and 9/11. His time in the military left him with severe ailments, requiring […]
Help the Mission
Every dollar helps us fulfill our mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
Supporting our mission allows us to rescue more dogs for our program, and provides the funding we need to support all of their needs from medical care to safe housing over the course of their 12-18 month training program and subsequent training with their veteran handler.
Founding Partners
Red Star Corporate Partners
The Team
Our passionate and dedicated team is made up of animal-lovers, veterans, military spouses, and advocates of dog rescue and veteran mental health. Animal care technicians, dog training assistants, dog trainers, veteran advocates, board members, administrative staff, and dedicated volunteers are passionate about the mission at Shelter to Soldier and being a light to those in need.