K-9 Companionship Program
Purpose-driven companionship through trained rescue dogs for veterans and public-safety personnel seeking ongoing support and healing.
Purpose-Driven Companionship
The K-9 Companionship Program pairs veterans and first responders with trained dogs. Each dog is carefully selected and trained to meet the specific needs of its handler, whether for hunting, emotional support, or ADA service.
By rescuing dogs and pairing them with those who have served, we create a powerful cycle of healing. The dogs find their forever homes, and participants gain a loyal companion trained to support their unique journey.
Every participant takes their dog home. When you complete the program, your matched companion is yours to keep — for life.
Our mission is simple: Every rescue dog deserves a purpose, and every veteran and first responder deserves a loyal companion. Through careful matching, professional training, and ongoing support, we make that connection happen.
Selection & Screening Process
Initial Application
Complete an application detailing your background, needs, and preferences for a canine companion.
Behavioral Assessment
Meet with our team for an interview to assess your lifestyle, living situation, and goals.
Dog Matching
Our trainers carefully match you with a dog based on temperament, energy level, and your specific needs.
Meet & Train
Spend time with your matched dog during a supervised training clinic before taking them home.
3-Day Handler Training Clinic — Hunting Dogs
Once matched with a hunting dog, participants attend a 3-day handler training clinic to build the foundation for a successful field partnership.
Introduction
Meet your matched hunting dog, establish initial bond, learn basic handling commands and field routines.
Field Training
Hands-on field work sessions covering retrieval, commands, and handler-dog coordination in hunting scenarios.
Transition & Graduation
Final field assessment, take-home care plans, and graduation ceremony. You go home with your dog.
2-Week Handler Training Program — ESA & ADA Service Dogs
Emotional Support Animal and ADA Service Dog handlers participate in an intensive 2-week training program. This extended timeline allows for deeper bonding, thorough public access training, and the confidence needed to work as a handler-dog team in everyday life.
Bonding & Foundation
- Daily handler-dog bonding sessions to build trust and attachment
- Basic obedience reinforcement and household routine training
- Introduction to public access skills and environmental exposure
- Guided therapeutic sessions exploring the handler-dog relationship
- Daily care routines — feeding, grooming, exercise, and health monitoring
Advanced Skills & Independence
- Task-specific training tailored to ESA or ADA service needs
- Real-world outings to practice public access and behavior in various environments
- Stress response and emotional regulation exercises with your dog
- Independent handling practice with trainer observation and feedback
- Final assessment, take-home training plan, and graduation ceremony
Ownership & Responsibility Expectations
Lifetime Commitment
You are committing to caring for your dog for the duration of its life.
Routine Training
Ongoing reinforcement of training commands and behaviors at home.
Safe Home
A stable, safe living environment suitable for the dog's size and energy level.
Basic Expenses
Food, veterinary care, and supplies are the responsibility of the handler.
We maintain reasonable expectations and provide ongoing support to help you succeed as a handler.
Three Distinct Programs, One Mission
Upland & Waterfowl Hunting Dogs
For veterans and first responders who find healing in the outdoors, our hunting dog program pairs participants with trained bird dogs.
- Fully trained for field work
- Matched to handler's hunting style
- 3-day training handoff included
- Ongoing training support
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Shelter dogs trained to provide comfort and emotional regulation for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and related conditions.
- Calm, stable temperament
- Basic obedience certified
- 2-week handler training program
- ESA documentation assistance
- Public access & environmental training
ADA Service Dogs
Professionally trained service dogs certified to ADA standards for veterans and first responders with qualifying conditions.
- ADA-certified for public access
- Task-specific training
- 2-week intensive handler training program
- Real-world environment practice
- Lifetime follow-up support
Who Qualifies
- Veterans or active-duty service members
- Current or retired first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections)
- Must complete an application and interview process
- Must demonstrate a stable living environment suitable for a dog
- Must commit to ongoing training and care responsibilities
Ongoing Support
Our commitment to you and your dog doesn't end at graduation. We provide comprehensive ongoing support to ensure a successful partnership.
- Follow-up check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days post-placement
- Access to our trainer network for refresher sessions
- Community events connecting K-9 handlers
- Emergency support line for behavioral or health concerns
- Annual wellness check and training assessment
Meet Our Ambassadors
Our ambassador dogs represent each program and can be found at community events.
Rooster
Upland & Waterfowl Hunting DogsRooster is our ambassador dog for the upland and waterfowl bird dog program. Rooster is amazing at his job and loves to show what he can do. When he's not hunting, he's the biggest personality we have. Come say hi to him at events and see what he can do.
Charlie
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)Adopted from Snake River Animal Shelter by Branded Brothers. Charlie is the ambassador for the ESA program. Charlie loves people, his job, and having fun. Come say hi to him at events and see what he can do.
Athena
ADA Service DogsDonated to Branded Brothers. Athena is our ambassador dog for the ADA service program and exemplifies our ADA service dogs. She is extremely smart and takes her job very seriously. Come say hi to her at events and see what she can do.
Interested in a K-9 Companion?
Apply today to be matched with a trained rescue dog that fits your life and your needs. Every hero deserves a loyal companion.