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Support ARF's Pets and Vets program today!

Saving Both Ends of the Leash^®

Launched in 2011 as a service providing emotional support animals to US military heroes, ARF's flagship program now also transforms rescue dogs into skilled service animals for veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, severe depression, and more.

Like trusted battle buddies, ARF's Pets and Vets dogs are invaluable partners for veterans readjusting to civilian life, providing powerful therapeutic and practical benefits. Proven benefits include:

• Reducing anxiety, panic, depression, and symptoms of PTSD
• Providing stability and companionship
• Inspiring sociability
• Establishing routines and self-care practices

Unlike service dog programs costing thousands of dollars and involving long waitlists, ARF matches veteran-dog teams quickly and at no cost to the veteran.

Shelter to Service Training

Teams complete service training curriculum together in veteran-only classes, collectively deepening their bond while building new skills. Under the guidance of our skilled trainer, also a veteran, dogs learn obedience, public access skills, and perform a minimum of three tasks to help alleviate the veteran's disability. Tasks may include alerting to oncoming panic attacks, interrupting nightmares, and more.

This unique training environment provides veterans with comradery and a supportive class environment, as well as structure and task achievements often missed after leaving the armed services.

Our Service Dogs

ARF's Pets and Vets program places exclusively rescued dogs. Many of these dogs received a second chance after facing an uncertain future in a public shelter.

ARF does not consider breed mix as a factor in selection, and screens dogs for qualities including focus, confidence, calmness, and response to reward-based training. We assess aptitude through evaluation at ARF and for a period in a foster home. Graduating teams are re-certified on an annual basis.

How to Apply

U.S. military veterans seeking a service dog who receive treatment in Contra Costa or Alameda Counties or reside within 30 miles of ARF's campus are eligible to be matched with emotional support animals. Applications for the Pets and Vets service dog program are currently closed while we serve the veterans already on our waitlist. Please check back for updates about when our waitlist will re-open.