Nonprofit, founded 2011, that pairs rescue service dogs with veterans with PTSD, operating campuses in Ponte Vedra, Florida and Texas.
K9s For Warriors is a nonprofit founded in 2011 that pairs highly-trained service dogs, rescued from high-kill shelters, with military veterans suffering from PTSD and other invisible wounds of war. Its operations are headquartered around multiple campuses in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with a further campus, Warrior Ranch, in Texas. The organisation describes itself as the nation's largest provider of service dogs for veterans; 82% of veteran graduates report reduced suicide ideation after completing the programme.
The Service Dog Placement Program delivers dog training alongside veteran services support at the programme campuses. Work is organised across cross-functional teams spanning kennel operations, veterinary care, dog training, veteran services, and nonprofit development and fundraising. The stated operating idea is that "healing happens at both ends of the leash" - rescuing dogs while restoring veteran independence.
The organisation began in founder Shari Duval's garage in 2011, prompted by her son's return from Iraq with PTSD. Its stated culture emphasises compassion, accountability and measurable outcomes, with staff viewing each service dog placement as a life saved and a family restored. Additional information is available at k9sforwarriors.org.
