“Morale Dogs” are formally recognized as Expeditionary Facility Dogs (EFDs) and serve as part of the U.S. Navy’s Expanded Operational Stress Control (ESOC) program, a behavioral health initiative designed to reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and strengthen resilience across the Fleet.
Ship/ Command Responsibilities
Participating ships or commands must be willing and able to:
Designate 3–5 handlers who can rotate daily care duties
Provide routine wellness check-ins and maintain grooming/hygiene for a Morale Dog
Follow OPSEC and Public Affairs guidelines for any media sharing
Support consistent access to the Morale Dog across departments and rank structure
Participate in PR efforts when possible (e.g. social media tagging with STS)
Shelter to Soldier Responsibilities
Shelter to Soldier handles all costs and logistics, including:
Full gear package (vests, leashes, crate, bowls, grooming tools, etc.)
Hands-on handler instruction, training materials and handler guides
Pre- and post-deployment dog evaluations
Ongoing support, emergency planning, and veterinary care
The Morale Dog program is 100% community funded. There is no financial necessity from the US Department of Defense. Shelter to Soldier maintains ownership and thus financial responsibility for Morale Dogs in perpetuity.
Next Steps
To begin the process of bringing a Morale Dog aboard, please fill out the form below:
Our “Morale Dog” program places specially trained facility dogs aboard U.S. Navy vessels and at military installations to provide emotional support, boost morale, and enhance mental wellness for active-duty service members. These dogs—affectionately known as “four-legged crew members” or “Morale Dogs”—are formally recognized as Expeditionary Facility Dogs (EFDs) and serve as part of the U.S. Navy’s Expanded Operational Stress Control (ESOC) program, a behavioral health initiative designed to reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and strengthen resilience across the Fleet.
Morale Dogs are trained in obedience, navigating the shipboard environment, and therapeutic interaction to support sailors during long deployments, high-stress operations, and day-to-day service life.
This initiative is 100% community funded, made possible through the generosity of donors in our community who believe in the power of the human-animal bond and it’s immeasurable benefits. From Shelters to Ships – Serving Those Who Serve.
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