K9 Dog Program

The Canine Program delivers critical support to veterans through two complementary pathways: fully trained service dogs and emotional support dogs (Pets to Vets). From 2018–2025, Veteran Pathways NE was an active participant in the national Wounded Warrior Service Dog Project (WWSDP), contributing significantly to the development and validation of benchmark standards for service dog delivery to military veterans. With WWSDP funding concluding in 2025, the program was restructured in January 2026 to maintain benchmark‑standard service dog placements while expanding access through the less resource‑intensive Pets to Vets model.

Both canine pathways are built on a strong foundation in AKC Canine Good Citizenship, ensuring consistent standards of behavior, obedience, and public access readiness. Veterans in the benchmark service dog track participate in a more intensive 12–18-month training process that prepares the dog and handler to work together in managing PTSD, TBI, MST, anxiety, depression, and sleep‑related challenges. The Pets to Vets emotional support model provides a less intensive but still structured training experience focused on companionship, stability, and daily support. In both models, Veteran Pathways NE maintains continuous engagement with each veteran, offering guidance, follow‑up, and long‑term support to strengthen the bond and ensure successful outcomes.

Are you a Veteran in search of an ESA companion? Veteran Pathways for Veterans New England’s new ESA program will match Veterans with emotional support animals (ESAs), typically dogs chosen for temperament and compatibility.