What is Veteran K9?
Meaningful Training
Veteran K9 connects military veterans and anyone else with professionally trained service dogs—or trains their existing dogs—to support PTSD, anxiety, depression, or mobility challenges. We eliminate red tape and long waits by focusing on direct, personal support.
U.S. Military Veteran (any branch, any discharge status)
● Must provide proof of service (DD-214, VA card, or military ID)
● Must complete a home visit
● Must be able to care for a dog physically and financially
(All gear and ongoing training support provided)
Empowerment Through Service
How the Program Works
This isn’t just about safety — it’s about second chances. Participants gain hands-on training, develop professional skills, and contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve.
Through each mission, they reclaim confidence, dignity, and purpose.
Option 1: Guardian Path
For individuals who need a service dog but cannot afford one, we offer the Guardian Path option. You'll live on-site at Guardian's Grove for 4 weeks in a Guardian Pod and train daily with the dog we match to your needs and personality. During your stay, you will work side by side with Purpose 4 Paws and Guardians Grove staff, learning every part of dog care-feeding, health, training, responsibility, and daily structure. By the end of the program, you'll leave not only with a trained service dog but with full confidence in how to handle, maintain, and continue the dog's progress. This option requires commitment, clean living, accountability, and active participation in the Guardian Path. It's perfect for individuals that want to earn your partner not just receive one.
Option 2: Paid Service Dog
For individuals who prefer a traditional route or cannot commit to on-site training, we offer a $4000 service dog option. After completing the same initial application process, we match you with an appropriate rescue dog and provide structured training sessions, progress updates, and a smooth delivery process. This option allows you to receive a fully trained service dog without a 4 week stay at Guardians Grove. It supports our mission while ensuring every person receives a reliable, well-trained partner at a fraction of typical national service-dog costs.
Task Training
Task Training:
Client will specify desired tasks during intake.
Travel:
Travel:
We travel out of state and service the country nationally.
Special Equipment
Equipment:
Mobility harnesses, medical alert equipment, etc.
Mission
Our goal is to keep service dog training accessible to all, especially those with limited income. We service anyone in need, regardless of location.
We believe that both people and dogs deserve a second chance. Veterans struggling with challenges after service, families navigating daily life, and individuals in need of companionship can all benefit from the loyalty and resilience that dogs bring. By focusing exclusively on rescue dogs, we give each dog a purpose and each person a life-changing partner.
Though our headquarters are in Selmer, Tennessee, we proudly serve clients across the continental U.S., with placements and training programs already established in states such as New York, Indiana, and Massachusetts. Wherever the need is, we will travel.
Why Rescues
Rescue dogs aren’t broken—they’re just waiting for the right opportunity. At Veteran K9, we believe rescues thrive when they are given structure, training, and a family to belong to. These dogs are eager to please and often display remarkable loyalty once they realize they’ve found a permanent, loving home.
By working exclusively with rescue dogs, we highlight their untapped potential. Every placement is proof that second chances matter: the dog gains purpose, the owner gains a life-changing partner, and the bond between the two becomes unshakable.
Our approach also sets us apart from other service dog training programs in Memphis and nationwide. While many providers source from breeders, we stay true to our mission—rescue dogs only. It’s a commitment that not only transforms lives but also reduces the number of homeless dogs in shelters.