If you’re seeking dog charities in need of your help as well as looking for a way to say thank you to the humans and canines who have sacrificed everything protecting our freedom, then you may want to check out these organizations.
From reuniting retired dogs with their handlers to providing service dogs to veterans and active-duty military, they all help with veterans and K9s. Some of these groups even adopt out Military Working Dogs once they’ve retired and also make sure brave soldier dogs return home.
If you’re looking for dog charities that benefit veterans and working dogs, these organizations are at the top of the list for helping those who’ve served our great nation:
Top Dog Charities that Honor the Brave
#1 – U.S. War Dogs Association
Several former canine handlers started this association to raise public awareness about war dogs. With the funds they raise, the group has erected memorials honoring the dogs left behind in Vietnam. The group also provides assistance in finding homes for retired working dogs. They also fund a Free Rx Prescription Drug Program for Retired Military Working Dogs. http://www.uswardogs.org/.
Image source: USWarDogs.org
#2 – Warrior Dog Foundation
A former Navy SEAL began this foundation to help transition Special Operation Forces (SOF) working K-9 military dogs to civilian life. From there, Warrior Dogs helps K9s find their forever homes. In the future, they hope to establish a scholarship fund for the families of handlers who are wounded or killed. http://warriordogfoundation.org/
Image source: WarriorDogFoundation.org
#3 – Military Working Dog Support Association
This organization coordinates, channels, and encourages support from individuals, organizations, and corporations to benefit active duty and retired U.S. military working dogs and dog handlers. Their wide array of charitable programs include:
- K9 Health and Welfare
- K9 Training
- Retired Military Working Dogs
- Active Duty Dog Handler Welfare and Morale
- Retired Dog Handler Causes and Events
- Military Working Dog Memorials
- Educating the General Public on the History and Use of Military Dogs.
To check out more of what MWDTSA does, to make a donation, or learn how you can get involved, visit http://www.mwdtsa.org/.
Image source: MWDTSA.org
#4 – Mission K9 Rescue
This organization operates in Texas, Colorado and California to provide support to MWDs, Contract Workings Dogs, and other service dogs as they enter retirement. Mission K9 Rescue provides monetary, transportation, adoption, and professional assistance for these retired hero dogs. They also work with the American Humane Association to make sure Military Working Dogs are brought home after service, and not left in the country were they served. http://missionk9rescue.org/
Image source: MissionK9Rescue.org
#5 – Paws and Stripes
Paws and Stripes provides service dogs for wounded military veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury. This group believes in the value of integrating service dog training and education with mental health support. The dogs involved in Paws and Stripes are all from local animal rescues and shelters. So K9 lives in need are finding rescue too! And, the programs are FREE to the veterans. http://www.pawsandstripes.org/
Image source: PawsAndStripes.org
#6 – K9s for Warriors
Image source: K9sforwarriors.org
Possibly the most well-known of these working dog charities, they are dedicated to providing service canines for our warriors suffering from “Post-Traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post 9/11.” K9s for Warriors not only rebuilds lives, but creates forever families for dogs in need. http://www.k9sforwarriors.org/
#7 – Nowzad.org
This charity’s original purpose was to help soldiers in Afghanistan bring home the dogs they adopted on the frontlines. To date, over 700 soldiers serving in Afghanistan have been reunited with their adopted dogs and cats once back in their home countries. Operating as a non-profit in Illinois, they are also a registered charity in England and Wales. And Nowzad is hard at work helping to spread animal welfare in Afghanistan as well. http://www.nowzad.org/
Image source: Nowzad.org
#8 – Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pets
This group is an all-volunteer run organization assisting active-duty service members, wounded warriors, veterans, and their beloved companion animals or assistance service canines. The help comes from one of the group’s various assistance programs. These programs include the Military and Veteran Pet Foster Home Program, Military Pet Assistance Fund, and the Warriors’ Angels Program (TX only). Most programs are available in all 50 states and all Branches of Service including the National Guard and Reserves. http://guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org/
Image source: GuardianAngelsForSoldiersPet.org
#9 –Blue Star Service Dogs
Blue Star Service Dogs is an organization that provides our military veterans living with PTSD and TBI another method of healing through service and companion dogs. Through their programs, they seek to help heal the wounds of war and provide families with new beginnings. Their work also raises awareness about the potential of shelter and rescue dogs everywhere. All of their dogs are rescues. https://www.bluestarservicedogs.org/
Image source: Blue Star Service Dogs/Facebook
#10 – Save-A-Vet
Save-A-Vet helps rescue military & law enforcement working dogs & other service animals from euthanasia before they’re lives are fully lived. After their retirement from service to country & community, working dogs deserve to put their paws up and relax in a comfy home. Save-A-Vet strives to provide housing and relief for disabled veterans who help take care of these retired working dogs. http://www.save-a-vet.org/
Image source: Save-A-Vet.org
#10 – Patriot Paws
Patriot PAWS trains and provides service dogs to disabled American veterans “in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence.” This dedicated nonprofit organization provides dogs at no cost to the veterans!
Image Courtesy of Patriot Paws Service Dogs/Facebook
Like iHeartDogs.com, these dog charities aim to make better lives for dogs. And without your support, these groups wouldn’t be able to perform their miracles. Thank you for your kind heart and dog love!
Feature Image Courtesy of WarriorDogFoundation.org
Toledo, United States.
