PUPS FOR VETS & FIRST RESPONDERS

The Pups for Vets and First Responders Program pairs veterans and first responders with companion dogs and basic obedience training at no cost. These dogs provide daily structure, emotional grounding, and unconditional support proven to be a powerful protective factors against suicide.

Companion dogs can reduce isolation, interrupt harmful behaviors, improve sleep, and help regulate anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Each pairing includes training support and long-term follow-up, ensuring sustained impact well beyond initial placement.

This program removes financial barriers and creates lasting, life-saving bonds that extend prevention into everyday life.

1. A veteran with Honorable Discharge or anything other than a Dishonorable Discharge. A Dishonorable Discharge doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Reach out to the Pups Team for a review of service records.
2. Active Military with a family care plan.
3. An active or retired first responder. First responder is defined as someone who works for a Fire Department, Law Enforcement Agency, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Corrections Officer, 911 Dispatcher, or Special Missions Reporter.
4. A spouse or child of an active military member, veteran or first responder who either 1. Was KIA during wartime, during a training accident or died from cancer either when active or retired. 2. A spouse or child of an active military service member, a veteran or first responder who died by suicide.
*Disqualifier: You are disqualified if the person applying currently has a healthy, trainable dog that is under 10 years old. If the pup is the spouses or child’s, you may still apply.