PUPS FOR VETS & FIRST RESPONDERS

Pups for Vets & First Responders
Companion Dogs. Peer Connection. Lifelong Support.

A 22Mohawks suicide prevention program that pairs veterans and first responders with companion dogs and connects them to the Leash Holder Network through training, community, Frontline Connect, and crisis-response support.

Pups for Vets & First Responders is not just a dog placement program. It is a community-based suicide prevention and resilience program built around companion dogs, peer accountability, structured training, and lifelong connection.

Each participant is paired with a companion dog and welcomed into the 22Mohawks Leash Holder Network through the Acceptance of the Leash Ceremony. From there, they receive training, community support, access to Frontline Connect, and ongoing connection to fellow veterans, first responders, volunteers, and resources.

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.