Saving Lives, Two at a Time™
Bringing trained rescue dogs to post-9/11 veterans since 2012.
Shelter to Soldier™ is dedicated to Saving Lives, Two at a Time by rescuing dogs from local shelters and preparing them for lives of purpose, service, and companionship. Through our flagship Psychiatric Service Dog Program, we pair highly trained rescue dogs with post-9/11 veterans facing the challenges of invisible wounds. Our Emotional Support Animal Program, Canine Ambassadors Therapy Dog Team, Morale Dog Program, community outreach initiatives, and educational services further extend the healing power of the human-animal bond throughout military and first responder communities. Together, these programs create meaningful connections that foster resilience, improve quality of life, strengthen families, and provide renewed purpose for both the people and dogs we serve.
The Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassadors are a team of certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers who provide no-cost visits of love and comfort to local military personnel, veterans, and their families.
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Every 69 minutes A US Veteran dies by suicide
On average, 17 Veterans and 1 Active Duty military personnel dies by suicide, every day. They sacrificed everything to protect our freedom, and it’s our turn to give back to them.
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Every Day An average of 1800 dogs are euthanized nationwide
We rescue dogs that are better suited for a life with a job or may otherwise be overlooked, providing them a future with a purpose and a life that is fulfilled by their bond with a veteran in need.
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Edgar + Bandit (ESA)
After serving in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Edgar found himself struggling with loneliness and a need for companionship. His daughter recommended our Emotional Support Animal program, where he was matched with Bandit, a sweet rescue from Labs & More. Since graduating together, Bandit has brought joy, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose to Edgar and his family.
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Kieshawn + Laney
After serving as a helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kieshawn returned home carrying the profound loss of his mentor and 11 friends from three helicopter crashes. Over time, anxiety and isolation began to affect his relationships and daily life, leading him to seek support through Shelter to Soldier. When he met Laney, a rescue from Labs & More, the connection was immediate. After completing their training together, Kieshawn and Laney graduated on July 30th, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with companionship, confidence, and hope.
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David + Remi
After 10 years of service in the U.S. Navy, including deployments to Afghanistan and the Indian Ocean, David knew he was looking for a trusted “battle buddy” to support him in life after the military. After an earlier match was not the right fit, David remained committed to finding his partner, and that partnership came in Remi, a sweet rescue from Labs & More. Through months of dedicated training, David and Remi built a strong bond, successfully completing their Handler Test and preparing for graduation. Together, they represent the resilience, trust, and companionship at the heart of Shelter to Soldier.
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Mark + Reed
After 25 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL, Mark knew the comfort and companionship of a dog could make a meaningful difference in his life after service. When he met Reed, a rescue from Labs & More, the connection was immediate. Together, they built a strong partnership through training, developing the trust and teamwork needed to navigate life as a service dog team. Today, Mark and Reed are a reminder that sometimes the right partner finds you exactly when you need them most.
Help the Mission
Every dollar helps us fulfill our mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
Supporting our mission allows us to rescue more dogs for our program, and provides the funding we need to support all of their needs from medical care to safe housing over the course of their 12-18 month training program and subsequent training with their veteran handler.
Founding Partners
Red Star Corporate Partners
The Team
Our passionate and dedicated team is made up of animal-lovers, veterans, military spouses, and advocates of dog rescue and veteran mental health. Animal care technicians, dog training assistants, dog trainers, veteran advocates, board members, administrative staff, and dedicated volunteers are passionate about the mission at Shelter to Soldier and being a light to those in need.