A Home in between Homes

The Stray to Service’s minimum goal is to establish standards for Emotional Support Animals.  Any ESA adopted through the Stray to Service program will have received a Canine Good Companion certificate from the AKC.  This means they know all basic commands such as sit, stay, heel, and down.  From there, we place the animal with a Veteran and continue their training based on the needs of the Veteran.  Many Veterans suffer from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or have physical limitations as a result of their service.  The dog’s education will continue per the Veteran’s requirement, be it for mobility or to help the Veteran regain independence through enabling him or her to navigate everyday life situations.

 

The adoption or sponsorship for each dog is based on what has been invested.  This is required so that the program is sustainable and not entirely reliant on grants to be operational.  Grants for adoption fees or sponsorships of Dogs in Training is a necessary component of the program since most Veterans will not likely have the funds to cover the cost to adopt.  Per pilot project estimations, the Stray to Service cost per dog will be from approximately $3,000.  All of our dogs come from the Dog and Cat Shelter in Sheridan, Wyoming so there is no breeding or raising expenses and young dogs are fostered.  These dogs will be available to Veterans nationwide.  The Stray to Service program will also be working with adults and children who may be in need of a Service animal.