Application Process

Puppies Healing Heroes depends on donations to help us better the lives of our military veterans and first responders. All funds that we collect go towards offsetting the costs of purchasing puppies, training, pet food, and veterinary care. Join in the mission of ending veteran and first responder suicide by donating today!

Who Can Apply

Military veterans and first responders (EMT, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Military/Veterans, Correction Officers) who are affected by PTSD or other service-related trauma.

We are not affiliated with the VA.

To determine eligibility, please answer the following questions:

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be eligible for a service dog through Puppies Healing Heroes.

In addition, we need to know if applicants have a history of the following:

How to Apply

The process of obtaining a service puppy begins with filling out our application. We also have the
following requirements/qualifications for applying:

Military veterans must attach a DD-214.
First responders much attach a letter of reference from their employer.
Applicants must be able to financially support the care of a service dog over the course of their lifetime. (We estimate the cost of a service dog to be approximately $1,500/year for food, veterinary care, etc.).
Three references, including name and phone number.

Applicants will need to provide their own travel. Travel consists of:

Recertification

Puppies will be reevaluated and certified every year to ensure the service dog is being well cared for, completing their training,
and are receiving continuous training by the owner. For recertification, owners will need to return to Sacred Mountain Retreat Center with their service dogs.

Application dates:
The current application window is closed. The next giveaway date is September 3rd at the Poker Run.

The next application window starts
November 1st, with a giveaway date of February 10th, 2024 at the Gala.

How Puppies Healing
Heroes Works

Approved applicants are given an 8–10-week-old puppy to bond with and teach basic obedience. Once the puppy is 6-8 months old, the puppy will begin training with K9 Elite. Wes Magnus, owner and trainer of K9 Elite, will go over the specific needs of a service dog. Depending on the level of training, your service pup will be in training for 1-3 months. Once training is complete, you will return to train with your service pup and K9 Elite. Each year, recipients will be required to return for evaluation and recertification.

406-891-0024