Programs and Organizations for Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Find relevant military-, family-, and veteran-specific lifestyle and wellbeing programs and organizations.
Disclaimer:
Valor Institute provides this information as a public service. We do not sponsor, endorse, or receive any commission from the programs or organizations listed here. The content is offered solely to increase awareness and participation within our veteran and military community.
Community and Advocacy
A selection of lifestyle and wellbeing programs for the military, veteran, and military family communities.
America's VetDogs
America's VetDogs is a non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. The organization specializes in training and placing guide dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals to help these individuals live with renewed independence and dignity. VetDogs focuses on a holistic approach, providing dogs for a range of needs, from physical disabilities to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A key element of their support is providing all services at no cost to the recipient.
K9s for Warriors
K9s for Warriors is an American charity and veterans service organization dedicated to providing service dogs to veterans. The organization's innovative program focuses on training rescue dogs to assist veterans who are coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and military sexual trauma (MST). By creating a bond between a veteran and a trained service dog, K9s For Warriors aims to mitigate the symptoms of these invisible wounds of war and ultimately, prevent veteran suicide. A significant majority of the dogs in their program are rescued from high-kill shelters, which allows the organization to save lives "at both ends of the leash."
Canine Companions' Veterans Initiative
The organization's support for U.S. military and veterans centers on empowering them to regain physical independence, pride, and hope following difficult transitions back to civilian life or new disabilities. The service dogs assist with physical tasks and provide crucial emotional support to veterans facing difficult emotions.
K9 Partners for Patriots
K9 Partners for Patriots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preventing veteran suicide. It pairs Veterans battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) with rescued dogs and guides them through training to become certified service dog teams, all at no cost to the Veteran. The organization focuses on a self-training model, empowering Veterans in their healing journey.
Pups4Patriots
Pups4Patriots is a program of the American Humane Society dedicated to providing lifesaving service dogs at no cost to veterans and retired first responders suffering from the invisible wounds of service.
Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE)
PAVE transforms the lives of Veterans by providing highly trained service dogs at no charge to address the psychological (like PTSD) and/or physical wounds of military service. A core goal is to reduce the devastating rate of Veteran suicide.
Semper K9
Semper K9 is a combat veteran-founded and operated non-profit that rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to be custom-trained service dogs for disabled U.S. Service Members. All services are provided at no cost to the Veterans, focusing on aiding in the recovery of both visible (mobility) and invisible (psychiatric alert) wounds.
NEADS Service Dogs
NEADS supports U.S. military veterans by providing highly-trained Service Dogs at no cost to the recipient. The program, formerly known as Canines for Combat Veterans (CCV), is now the Service Dogs for Veterans (SDV) program. This program focuses on veterans from any conflict who have a permanent physical disability, profound hearing loss, MS or other progressive conditions, or diagnosed combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD).
New Life K9s
New Life K9s supports U.S. military and veterans by providing highly-trained service dogs, Warrior Support Dogs, and Facility Dogs to those living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other related challenges. The dogs are provided at no cost to the recipient. This support is directly aimed at suicide prevention (noting that 22 veterans die by suicide every day), enriching relationships, reducing homelessness, saving resources, and lowering dependence on medications.
Valor Service Dogs
Valor Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting wounded post-9/11 veterans and first responders who have sustained injuries in the line of duty. The organization helps them regain independence, return to civilian life, and maintain successful partnerships by providing highly trained Service Dogs at no cost to the recipient.
Freedom Service Dogs
FSD provides custom-trained service dogs for PTSD Assist for Veterans and First Responders, which includes active-duty service members. They specifically assist those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and combat-related injuries (e.g., loss of limbs or mobility). All dogs and lifetime support services are provided at no cost to the clients.
Got Your Six Support Dogs
The organization is committed to providing specialized service dogs to veterans and first responders suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or sexual trauma. The dogs are provided to the recipients at no cost.
Northwest Battle Buddies
Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB) supports U.S. Veterans by providing them with professionally trained service dogs (referred to as "Battle Buddies") at no cost to help them overcome the debilitating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The organization focuses on creating a life-changing partnership that restores the veteran's freedom and independence. They operate under the philosophy that the day a Veteran meets their service dog should be their "best first day."
Paws of War
Paws of War supports the U.S. military and veterans by leveraging the human-animal bond for healing and independence. Their support falls into two main categories: 1. Service/Companion Animals: Rescuing dogs and cats, training them, and placing them with veterans and first responders suffering from conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 2. Animal Rescue for Deployed Troops: Reuniting military personnel with the dogs and cats they bonded with while serving in war-torn regions overseas. They cover all costs related to rescue, medical care, and transportation.
Helping Paws
Helping Paws provides highly trained service dogs to Veterans (and First Responders) with service-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The service dogs assist recipients in regaining independence, confidence, and hope, often leading to improved emotional well-being, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep.
Canines for Service
Canines for Service (CFS) provides highly trained service dogs to Veterans at no cost or fundraising requirement to empower them with independence. The service dogs are specifically trained to assist with service-connected conditions. CFS has shifted its focus to solely serving Veterans since 2018.
Service Dogs for America (SDA)
SDA provides highly-trained Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) service dogs to veterans with PTSD. These dogs are trained in specific tasks to mitigate the veteran's symptoms and help increase their physical, emotional, and social self-sufficiency.
Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV)
SDV specifically serves active duty military, veterans, and first responders with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that is service- and/or work-related. The dogs are trained to: • Interrupt common anxiety behaviors (e.g., leg shaking, hand wringing). • Interrupt nightmares. • Provide various forms of comforting physical contact on request.
Connect More In Our Lifestyle Wellbeing Community Of Practice Library