King – our first dog who has completed training and been placed with a veteran.
The Program
Canines for Vets is a volunteer program of the Avenue of 444 Flags Foundation, 501(c)3 dedicated to helping veterans and dogs in need. Our mission is to train rescued dogs to be well mannered, loving companions to those veterans who need them.
The companionship of a dog is like no other. Their power to soothe, heal and mend is truly amazing. So many of our brave men and women can benefit from these incredible animals. Our goal is to help pair together as many as possible to create a lifetime bond for each.
The Dogs
Our dogs come from pounds, rescues, or owner surrenders. They are carefully screened through temperament assessments and medical exams.
Once selected, a dog will live in approved foster home for about four to six months. During this time, the dogs are trained daily on obedience, house and public manners, under guidance of our professional trainers. Upon graduation from the training program, the dogs will be available for adoption by veterans who need them. The recipients are pre-screened to ensure that the dogs will be living in a safe, secure, and loving environment.
(Please note: These are comfort dogs, not Service Dogs which are trained to assist people with physical disabilities or emotional disorders.)
Adoption by veterans
Veterans may apply for our dogs and upon approval will receive a dog that matches their lifestyle and needs. Once a veteran adopts one of our dogs, the Foundation will cover the all costs of pet ownership for the rest of the animal’s life, including shelter release fees, food, veterinary expenses, additional training, and other appropriate support.
Become a Foster Trainer
There is nothing like the enjoyment and satisfaction of providing a home and helping to train a dog whose destiny is to provide lifelong comfort to a veteran in need of emotional support.
The rewards are beyond measure. Every bit of love you share with the dog comes back to you many times over. And it’s no exaggeration to say that you might be saving the life of a veteran.
It costs you nothing because the program provides professional training for you with the dog, as well as dog food, veterinary care, and grooming.
Please download and read the Foster requirements to qualify as a Foster Trainer. Then please complete and submit our Application for Foster Trainer form.
To contribute financially:
Make checks payable to “Canines for Vets” and mail to Avenue of 444 Flags Foundation, 2619 East State Street, Hermitage, PA 16148. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Are you a veteran in need of an Emotional Support Dog?
Although we will not have any dogs available for adoption immediately, we are accepting Adoption Applications from veterans who would like to receive a dog after the completion of its training.
Download Forms
More Info
If you have questions about the program, please email us:
- Jenny Falvey – jenny@thelearningdog.com
- Tom Flynn – tom@avenueofflags.com
- Roberta Knauf – dogguru@gmail.com
