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.
Want a Morale Dog for your ship or command? Click here for more information!
Morale Dogs
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Butterscotch
Breed: Australian Shepherd/Corgi Mix
Age: 2Y
Hi! I’m Butterscotch! I’m a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd/Corgi mix the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from April Star Adoption Foundation under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Elizabeth Mueller. I was left unclaimed at a shelter, but lucky for me, I found my way into an amazing program where I get to do what I love […]
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Dawson
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: 1Y
Hi! I’m Dawson! I’m a 1-year-old labrador retriever the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from our friends at Labs and More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Logomark! I might be calm and docile, but I’ve got a heart full of love and a knack for making people feel better—especially in stressful situations. Right […]
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Raider
Hi! I’m Raider, a 2 year old lab mix adopted from Labs & More! I have a VERY special job where I’m training to be a Ship Morale Dog! I’ve already visited some crewmen on USS Makin Island shortly after adoption and you can tell I’ve been the talk of the ship since then! I’m […]
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Lady
Hi! I’m Lady! I’m a 2 year old lab mix the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Labs & More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of the Mission Beach Women’s Club! When I was adopted, I was lucky enough to be fostered by one of the amazing volunteers at Shelter to Soldier. I originally […]