How we
WORK
Our service dogs are professionally trained in basic command, AKC Canine Good Citizen Tasks and specialized training based on the needs of the veteran or first responder receiving the dog. Dogs that Help service dogs are trained two different ways:
Partnering with Tomorrow's Trainers
We’re proud to partner with future dog trainers from The Tom Rose School and Kennelwood Academy, who volunteer their time and talent to help our dogs-in-training as part of their course curriculum. It’s a win-win — the students gain hands-on experience, and the dogs get top-notch foundational training! Once the student graduates, the dog is matched with a veteran or first responder and continues learning advanced, personalized tasks with one of our professional trainers. It’s teamwork at its best — all for a great cause!
Group Classes with Professional Support
Through our fun and supportive weekly group classes, veterans and first responders get the chance to train their own service dog — all with the expert guidance of our professional trainer. It's an empowering journey that builds a strong bond between handler and dog. To graduate, each service dog must pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, perform specific tasks on command, and earn final approval from our trainer. It’s hard work, but the results are life-changing!
The Difference Between A...
SERVICE DOG
Service animals are specially trained to assist people with disabilities, including conditions like visual impairments, PTSD, seizure disorders, diabetes, and more. Under the law, only dogs and in certain cases, miniature horses, can be recognized as service animals.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) offer comfort and companionship that can be deeply therapeutic for their owners. However, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ESAs are not classified as service animals and do not have the same public access rights to places like restaurants, stores, or other public spaces.
THERAPY DOG
Therapy animals are trained to offer comfort, affection, and emotional support to people in a variety of settings — including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, hospice care, and disaster response areas. Their presence brings warmth, calm, and connection wherever it’s needed most.