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.
Our Psychiatric Service Dog Program serves eligible veterans including post-9/11 and Gulf War veterans, as well as survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) and others living with service-connected disabilities. Through individualized training and carefully matched placements, we provide highly skilled service dogs that support daily functioning and help mitigate the symptoms of PTS and related challenges.
Our Emotional Support Animal Program is available to all veterans, active duty service members, Gold Star families, and first responders, offering additional layers of support tailored to each individual’s needs and circumstances.
Our Morale Dog Program provides structured visits and engagements with specially selected dogs to military personnel, veterans, first responders, and community partners. These interactions are designed to reduce stress, improve morale, and offer moments of calm and connection in demanding environments.
Our Canine Ambassadors Program consists of certified therapy dogs and volunteer handlers who provide no cost visits to military installations, veterans organizations, hospitals, schools, and community events, offering comfort, connection, and emotional support to those who serve and the families who stand beside them.
The need for these services continues to grow as many veterans navigate the lasting effects of military service, including PTS, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. These invisible wounds can affect relationships, careers, and overall well-being.
Shelter to Soldier provides an evidence-informed, relationship-based approach to healing by pairing veterans with expertly trained service dogs that help support greater independence, stability, and confidence in daily life.
At the same time, millions of dogs enter shelters across the United States each year, many through no fault of their own. Countless highly capable dogs are overlooked due to lack of training or manageable behavioral challenges. Shelter to Soldier sees potential where others may not. Our professional training team specializes in behavior modification and advanced service dog development, transforming carefully selected rescue dogs into elite working partners for veterans in need.
This unique mission creates life-changing outcomes at both ends of the leash. Each sponsored service dog receives a second chance at life while providing essential support to a veteran partner. Through rescue, training, and the enduring bond between human and dog, Shelter to Soldier fulfills its mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
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