Providing Service Dogs to Military Veterans

K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post-9/11. Our program is unique, and no other organization operates quite like K9s For Warriors. Every warrior that walks through the door is family. We provide them with a service canine, equipment, training, certification, seminars, legal instruction, vet care, housing, home cooked meals, unconditional love and listening, and life-time of wrap-around services (including available life-long healthcare and food for their dogs).

The K9s program is 100% free for the veteran. We have our warriors’ backs.

Accomplishments & History

K9s For Warriors was able to raise more than $8.5 million in 2017, which allowed us to pair 114 Warriors with service dogs. That’s 228 lives saved because of each person’s contribution! To reach this incredible goal our proud supporters hosted 189 community events, sponsored 82 dogs, and contributed to K9s through events like Mother's Day and #GivingTuesday. In addition, more than 742 supporters pledged their continued support through our Guard Dog program, which addresses the veteran suicide issue that plagues our country. Our Guard Dogs are donating $22 or more per month to sustain the life-saving programs provided by K9s For Warriors.

Read our 2016 Year in Review

Quick Facts

  • Founded: March 2011
  • Graduates to Date: 407
  • Re-certification: 90% of graduates re-certify their dog’s training on a regular basis.
  • Dogs Rescued: Over 850 dogs have been rescued since 2011. In 2017, K9s For Warriors evaluated 206 dogs for training, visited over 40 dog shelters rescuing 100 dogs, and found forever homes for 106 dogs who did not make the program.
  • Donations: 22,420 donations processed in 2017, totaling more than $8.5 million!
  • Volunteers: In 2017, K9s For Warriors added 95 active kennel enrichment volunteers, spent 260 hours helping in our administrative office, and 104 hours calling donors to say "Thank You". Volunteers have also opened their homes to raise 81 puppies and foster 15 dogs.
  • Community Events: 189 community events were held across the United States in 2017, generating $514,977 in donations.
  • Dogs Sponsored: 82 dogs were sponsored in 2017 giving them a new leash on life.

 

Awards:

  • Voted by Jacksonville, Fl. Magazine FOLIO for best nonprofit volunteer participation 2012, 2013
  • Great Non Profits Award 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Jacksonville Business Journal BizTech Award for Best Use of Social Media 2015
  • Outstanding Veteran Employer 2016 by VetJob Awards
  • Pet Age Magazine Forty Under 40 Award Winner 2016
  • GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency
  • Combined Federal Campaign #82286
  • Florida Association of Nonprofits Salute to Veterans Award 2016
  • Seal of Transparency from Excellence in Giving, Nonprofit Analytics
  • Pearls of Leadership EVE Award for K9s For Warriors Founder, Shari Duval
  • 50 Game Changers in PR awarded to K9s For Warriors Chief Marketing Officer, Tahoma Guiry
  • Accredited by The Patriots Initiative
  • 2017 winner of The Telly Awards for our PSA "Still There" produced by TigerLily Media
OUR PROGRAMWAYS TO GIVE

I attended the program hoping that a service dog will help with my anxiety and fear. Also, I want to be able to go to my daughter’s functions, show her support and be the outgoing parent to her that I once was. Some veterans don’t have the support needed to get through the tough times. This training with my new service dog partner gives me that support, help and hope that I’ve been needing to continue on with life. K9s For Warriors is truly a life changing program! -Michelle & Leia, July 2016

Help STOP22 veteran suicides every day.  View our Blog >

Recent News

04/09/2018 - Service dogs actually help veterans with PTSD, new study says
04/03/2018 - The Washington Post - Are Service Dogs Good Therapy?
03/26/2018 - Rick Scott spotlights $180 million for military, veteran spending during Ponte Vedra stop