K9 PTSD Research Center

What K9 PTSD Research Center does

The K9 PTSD Research Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Seekonk, Massachusetts, dedicated to treating and rehabilitating retired military and police K9s suffering from Canine Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD I/II) and related fear- and anxiety-based behavioral conditions. Its core clinical work uses observation-based behavioral research conducted in a facility equipped with low-light sensitive cameras in home kennels and trigger-free environments, underpinned by the proprietary Lamonte-Morgan C-PTSDQ Assessment Tool — described as the first and only diagnostic instrument specifically designed for canine C-PTSD. Its research output includes a behavioral profile questionnaire administered to 4,783 dogs and a sleep/aggression correlation study, with findings presented at the University of Arizona World Canine Conference, the Animal Behavior Society, and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

The organization operates a diversified nonprofit revenue model. Earned revenue streams include C-PTSD Self-Assessments ($149.95) and Live Assessments ($495.95), a 15-week C-PTSD I/II Certification Course ($3,995) for veterinary and training professionals, tiered memberships ranging from $15/month (Bronze) to a $2,500 lifetime tier, a $19/month Virtual K9 Adoption program, and transactional fees from the Massachusetts K9 Heroes License Plate program and an annual 5K race. Unrestricted revenue comes from voluntary donations, including non-monetary gifts such as real estate, vehicles, and securities. The Center markets directly to dog owners, veterinarians, trainers, and law enforcement/military K9 handlers through its website, blog, Facebook, email newsletters, the Amazon Prime-distributed documentary 'Healing Dakota,' and community events including an annual awards ceremony and 5K race. The Furever Home Program provides permanent placement for K9s no longer able to serve, at no cost to the originating department. Note: the Center's facility is currently at full capacity and is not accepting new K9 intakes.

Name

K9 PTSD Research Center

Legal name

K9 PTSD Research Center, Inc.

Website

https://k9ptsd.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The K9 PTSD Research Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Seekonk, MA that diagnoses, treats, and provides lifelong care for retired military and police K9s suffering from C-PTSD, using its proprietary Lamonte-Morgan C-PTSDQ Assessment and certified professional training programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare and Canine Behavioral Health Services

NAICS

Veterinary Services (54194), Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

K9 Care, Kenneling & Veterinary Support Services (BPAKAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Behavioral Medicine & Training-Integrated Veterinary Services (HLAMAAAI), Handler Training, Certification & K9 Unit Compliance Services (BPAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Canine PTSD treatment
• Working dog rehabilitation
• Canine behavioral assessment
• K9 mental health services
• Animal welfare nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Seekonk

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Programs: Recurring monthly or one-time lifetime membership fees with tiered benefits (Bronze $15/mo, Silver $25/mo, Gold $50/mo, Lifetime $2500). Higher tiers include event invitations, donor recognition, K9 sponsorship opportunities, and exclusive access.
2. K9 Assessments: Self-Assessment at $149.95 for diagnosing behavioral disorders; Live Assessment at $495.95 completed live with an expert in extensive behavioral issues. Follow-up options offered after positive diagnosis.
3. C-PTSD I/II Certification Course: Professional certification course for canine professionals (veterinarians, vet techs, K9/dog trainers, animal behaviorists) at $3995. 15-week hybrid course with Zoom sessions and final exam, authorized to administer the C-PTSDQ assessment.
4. Donations: Voluntary donations from supporters. Non-monetary donations accepted including automobiles, trucks, art, real estate, stocks, bonds, and jewelry.
5. 5K Race Registration: Event registration fee of $28.50 (incl. $3.50 fee) for annual 5K Walk/Run for K9 Heroes event in Bourne, MA. Children under 12 participate free.
6. K9 License Plates: Massachusetts K9 Heroes License Plate program with minimum 3,000 order requirement. Proceeds support K9 care, Sergeant Sean Gannon Memorial Fund, and K9 programs statewide.
7. Virtual K9 Adoption: Virtual adoption program at $19/month supporting retired K9s in care, including food, medical treatment, and mental health support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The K9 PTSD Research Center is a 501-C-3 nonprofit that provides lifelong care, rehabilitation, and research for retired military and police K9s suffering from C-PTSD (Canine Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It operates a research facility in Seekonk, MA where it develops and administers the proprietary Lamonte-Morgan C-PTSDQ assessment tool, runs a 15-week professional certification course, offers paid self-administered and live behavioral assessments for dog owners, and runs supporting programs such as membership tiers, virtual K9 adoption, the Furever Home permanent placement program, and an annual 5K fundraiser.

Product overview

The K9 PTSD Research Center operates as a 501-C-3 non-profit organization providing a unified suite of services centered on canine PTSD research, diagnosis, treatment, and professional education. The core offerings include the C-PTSD Self-Assessment ($149.95) and Live Assessment ($495.95) for diagnosing behavioral disorders in dogs, combined with the C-PTSD I/II Certification Course ($3,995) for training professionals. Supporting programs include membership tiers (Bronze $15/mo, Silver $25/mo, Gold $50/mo, Life-Time $2,500), virtual K9 adoption ($19/mo), the Furever Home Program for permanent placement of retired military/police K9s, the K9 Heroes License Plate program, annual 5K race events, and K9 handler/K9 of the Year awards. The center conducts observational research on canine PTSD without adversity-based testing, with studies on sleep disruptions, catecholamine levels, and behavioral profiles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• K9 Sergeant Sean Gannon – K9 Handler of the Year Award: Annual award honoring exceptional K9 handlers who exemplify dedication, integrity, professionalism, and commitment to K9 partners
• K9 Heroes License Plate Program
• Furever Home Program
• Nero's Law
• 5K Race/Walk for K9 Heroes

Products and services

• C-PTSD Self-Assessment A self-directed diagnostic assessment for dogs experiencing extensive behavioral disorders. Diagnoses an extensive range of disorders and offers follow-up options after positive diagnosis. Aimed at dog owners seeking to evaluate behavioral issues.
• C-PTSD Live Assessment A live, expert-led assessment for dogs with extensive behavioral issues, priced at $495.95. Follow-up options are offered after the assessment in the event of a positive diagnosis. Aimed at dog owners seeking expert evaluation.
• C-PTSD I/II Certification Course A 15-week certification course priced at $3,995 for canine professionals (veterinarians, vet technicians, K9 trainers, dog trainers, animal behaviorists) covering canine neurobiology, physiology, identification, and best treatment options. Graduates are authorized to administer the Lamonte-Morgan C-PTSDQ assessment.
• Furever Home Program A permanent placement program exclusively for actively serving Law Enforcement and Military personnel with K9 partners. Provides long-term, lifetime care for K9s with C-PTSD, medical conditions, behavioral concerns, or retirement needs at no cost to the department or unit.
• Virtual K9 Adoption A virtual adoption program allowing supporters to contribute $19/month to directly support a retired K9 hero's care, including food, medical treatment, and mental health support.
• K9 Heroes License Plate Program A Massachusetts specialty license plate program honoring K9 heroes who serve and have served the Commonwealth, with 'SG' in tribute to Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon. Proceeds support retired K9 care, the Sergeant Sean Gannon Memorial Fund, and K9 programs statewide.
• 5K Race/Walk for K9 Heroes An annual 5K walk/run event held in Bourne, MA to honor K9 heroes, featuring the K9 Hero Awards Ceremony and raising funds for the care, welfare, and lifelong support of Police and Military K9s. Registration fee $28.50 (children under 12 free).

Quantifiable outcome

• 4783 dogs surveyed for first-ever behavioral profile of C-PTSD I/II
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Commonwealth of MassachusettscoreOthers · 1 January 2025Partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the K9 Heroes License Plate program. After 3,000 pre-orders, production began through the Commonwealth. Plate design features 'SG' in tribute to Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon and red line of American flag representing unity of all who serve with K9 partners.
• Amazon Prime VideocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensing and distribution agreement for award-winning documentary 'Healing Dakota' through Amazon Prime Video platform, reaching global audience with the story of healing and hope for K9 heroes.
• RunSignUpminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party event registration platform used for the annual 5K Walk/Run for K9 Heroes event in Bourne, MA.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Mission K9 Rescue: Nonprofit focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of retired military and police working dogs. Highly comparable to K9 PTSD Research Center given shared beneficiary population (retired working K9s) and rehabilitation mission, though Mission K9 emphasizes adoption placement rather than lifelong residential care.
• National Police Dog Foundation: Nonprofit supporting law enforcement K9s through funding for training, equipment, and care. Directly comparable because it serves the same law-enforcement K9 ecosystem that supplies the K9 PTSD Research Center's primary beneficiary population.
• Penn Vet Working Dog Center: University-affiliated center conducting scientific research on working dog health, genetics, and training. Comparable on the applied canine behavioral research and professional training side, though housed inside a veterinary school rather than an independent nonprofit.

Broad incumbents

• K9s For Warriors: Largest nonprofit provider of service dogs to military veterans with PTSD/TBI. Comparable operating model (501(c)(3), donations, training/care programs) and overlapping K9-PTSD theme, but its mission centers on pairing dogs with veterans rather than treating K9s themselves.
• Warrior Canine Connection: Nonprofit that uses service dog training as a therapeutic intervention for veterans with PTSD. Comparable nonprofit funding model and shared 'dogs and PTSD' brand territory, but its K9s are trained as therapeutic tools rather than treated patients.
• Paws for Purple Hearts: Nonprofit providing service dogs to veterans and active-duty service members with PTSD/TBI. Comparable nonprofit funding model and veteran/canine intersection, though focused on veteran outcomes rather than K9 behavioral health.
• Freedom Service Dogs: Nonprofit that trains and places service dogs for clients with disabilities including PTSD. Comparable nonprofit structure, training programs, and donor-driven model, but focused on training new service dogs rather than rehabilitating retired working K9s.
• Canine Companions for Independence: Large nonprofit providing trained service dogs to people with disabilities. Comparable nonprofit funding model and professional training pipeline, though it serves human clients rather than treating canine behavioral disorders.

Regional players

• Working Dogs for Conservation: Nonprofit that trains and deploys working dogs for conservation work. Comparable as a working-dog-focused nonprofit, though its beneficiary domain (wildlife detection) differs from the K9 PTSD Research Center's behavioral-health focus.

Others

• Dogs for the Deaf (now Dogs! Inc.): Established nonprofit that has trained hearing-assistance and service dogs for decades. Comparable as a long-running nonprofit operating in the service/working dog space with a mature certification and training infrastructure, though mission-aligned rather than directly competitive.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/k9_ptsd
• Facebookfacebook.com/k9ptsdcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/k9-ptsd-center

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about K9 PTSD Research Center