Devil Dogs Charity Partner: Canines for Veterans

Devil Dogs has aligned with Canines for Veterans, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs at no-cost to wounded warriors and veterans experiencing PTSD. Learn more about Canines For Veterans.

RESCUE, REHABILITATE, REVITALIZE

The training of a Canines for Veterans service dog takes about one year. Rescue dogs are trained by re-integrating veterans and will learn over 90 commands including basic obedience, intermediate skills like retrieving items, and advanced skills such as opening doors.

SUPPORTING VETERANS

Canines for Veterans is a national program that provides veterans with disabilities quality trained service dogs. The program works with re-integrating veterans, and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service dogs for the wounded and injured Veteran.

The organization serves veterans from all conflicts/wars with service connected disabilities. Known as the “triple win” the Canines for Veterans program has twice been awarded a Newman’s Own Award for program innovations supporting our military and their families, is approved by the US Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program, and was named a Joining Forces Community Challenge finalist.

Launched in 2008, the program runs entirely on private donations. The program operated at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune until August 31, 2010. The program operated from September 1, 2010 to June 24, 2015 from the Navy Consolidated Brig, Charleston, South Carolina. It currently operates from the organization's headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina.

OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED

Canines for Service has been training service dogs for over 18 years. The program is based on quality and integrity and considers the needs of the client receiving the service dog by ensuring the client is properly served. From making sure the service dogs are trained to meet ADA requirements in the tasks that they can do, to developing specialty skills to assist a specific client; it is about the person being served.

Team training, when a client is partnered with their service dog, is done on an individual basis, not in a group. Why? Because every clients' needs are different and it is better for the client to work with them individually. It also permits Canines for Veterans to accomplish training within 5 to 10 days rather than several weeks; reducing the time the client is away from home, saving costs for the client, and the program. Click here to learn how to apply for a service dog.