WORKING DOGS FOR VETS
Working Dogs For Vets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, that provides free service dogs and lifetime training support to disabled American veterans — particularly those with combat-related PTSD and TBI — by rescuing dogs from U.S. shelters (98% rescue rate) and training them through a volunteer-led network spanning 8 states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersLawrenceburg, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What WORKING DOGS FOR VETS does
Working Dogs For Vets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee (Federal Tax ID 47-2426504). The organization's core function is providing trained service dogs and lifetime support at zero cost to disabled American veterans — with priority placement for those with combat-related disabilities including PTSD, TBI, and mobility impairments — while simultaneously rescuing dogs from overcrowded U.S. animal shelters (98% shelter rescue rate). The organization operates two primary programs: an In-House residential training program at the Lawrenceburg headquarters for severely disabled veterans, and the No Veteran Left Behind (NVLB) Program, including a Rural Outreach Initiative, that enables veterans nationwide to train their own service dogs. A National Training Network extends delivery across eight states (Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Colorado, Missouri) using volunteer trainers and public-space socialization.
The underlying operating model is built on the proprietary 'Both Ends of the Leash' training philosophy and a Universal Design Communication Model featuring written-first protocols designed for veterans with hidden disabilities such as TBI and learning disorders. The organization is 100% volunteer-led and claims to exceed PACT Act standards through rigorous Standard Operating Procedures, supported by accreditation from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Certified Professional Dog Trainers, and AKC K9 Good Citizens testing standards.
Working Dogs For Vets generates no revenue from veteran recipients — services are provided at 0% cost. The revenue model relies entirely on donations across two streams: individual donations, which are directed 100% to program services (specifically supporting veteran/dog teams through NVLB), and corporate sponsorship, which funds operating costs. Fundraising channels include the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #37322), a tiered corporate sponsorship ecosystem spanning Platinum through Community Allies levels with 30+ named partners (Petco Love, Kroger, Hankook Tire, Edward Jones, Foxwynd Foundation, Nashville Predators Foundation, etc.), online donations via GiveLively and Donorbox, and grassroots veteran community marketing. The organization has served more than 3,000 veteran/dog teams, holds a Charity Navigator four-star rating and GuideStar Platinum transparency status, and is both recommended and approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WORKING DOGS FOR VETS
- Legal name
- Working Dogs For Vets
- Website
- https://workingdogsforvets.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Working Dogs For Vets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, that provides free service dogs and lifetime training support to disabled American veterans — particularly those with combat-related PTSD and TBI — by rescuing dogs from U.S. shelters (98% rescue rate) and training them through a volunteer-led network spanning 8 states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Veteran Disability Services & Service Dog Training
- NAICS
- Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910), Veterinary Services (541940)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Agricultural Services (700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Behavioral Medicine & Training-Integrated Veterinary Services (HLAMAAAI), Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB)
Keywords
Where WORKING DOGS FOR VETS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lawrenceburg
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: 100% of individual donations go directly to program direct services - supporting veteran/service dog teams through the No Veteran Left Behind Program.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors fund the organization's operating costs, allowing individual donations to be directed entirely to program services.
- NVLB Program Donations: Donations to the No Veteran Left Behind Program go directly to support hero/dog teams, enabling disabled American heroes across the U.S. to train their service dogs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free Service Dog Program for Disabled Veterans |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels11 records
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Working Dogs For Vets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides trained service dogs and training at no cost to disabled American veterans, primarily those with combat-related disabilities (PTSD, TBI, mobility issues). The organization rescues dogs from U.S. animal shelters and trains them as service dogs through its In-House Program at the Lawrenceburg, TN headquarters and the nationwide No Veteran Left Behind (NVLB) Program, supported by a volunteer-led National Training Network spanning eight states.
Product overview
Working Dogs For Vets is a nonprofit organization offering a unified service dog training ecosystem. The organization operates two primary programs: the In-House Program at its Lawrenceburg, TN headquarters for more severely disabled veterans requiring intensive residential training, and the No Veteran Left Behind (NVLB) Program enabling veterans nationwide to train their own service dogs. Both programs are supported by a National Training Network with regional hubs across eight states. The organization provides these services at no cost to veterans, with corporate sponsors funding operating costs while individual donations go directly to program services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- No Veteran Left Behind (NVLB): Program developed to enable disabled American heroes across the U.S. to train their service dogs and promote the rescue of shelter dogs. Provides services at no cost to veterans.
Products and services
- Service Dog Training Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% of dogs used in Working Dogs For Vets programs are rescue/shelter dogs
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use WORKING DOGS FOR VETS
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered platinum, gold champions, bronze supporters, core, community allies and silver advocates.
- American Gold Star MothersplatinumPlatinum partner supporting Working Dogs For Vets mission to provide service dogs to disabled veterans. Gold Star Mothers organization supporting heroes and their service dogs.
- Petco LoveplatinumPlatinum partner providing support for veteran/dog teams. Petco Love Foundation has provided press releases and ongoing partnership for 'Heroes at Both Ends of the Leash' initiative on Veterans Day.
- Foxwynd FoundationplatinumFoundation partner supporting Working Dogs For Vets with press releases and funding for service dog programs.
- KrogerplatinumCorporate partner supporting the organization's mission through donations and community support.
- Elite K9platinumK9 training and supply partner providing support for service dog training programs.
- Doggie Stylzgold championsSupport partner for Working Dogs For Vets programs and services.
- Hankook TireplatinumCorporate sponsor supporting transportation needs for service dog training operations.
- Petfinder Foundationgold championsShelter rescue partner helping source dogs for the service dog training program.
- BlueCross BlueShield of Alabamagold championsHealth insurance partner supporting veteran wellness programs.
- Banfield Foundationbronze supportersVeterinary foundation supporting pet health initiatives for service dogs.
- Best Friends Network Partnersbronze supportersAnimal welfare network partner for shelter rescue coordination.
- Pedigree Foundationbronze supportersDog food and supplies foundation supporting service dog nutrition.
- Home Depotbronze supportersCorporate partner providing facility and building supplies support.
- Veterans AdministrationcoreVA Service Departments from across the nation have given high recommendations to their clients. Working Dogs For Vets is both recommended and approved by the VA.
- Association of Professional Dog TrainerscoreAccreditation partner for professional dog trainer certifications.
- International Association of Certified Professional Dog TrainerscoreAccreditation partner for trainer certification standards.
- AKC K9 Good CitizenscoreTesting and certification partner for service dog behavior standards.
- Vietnam Veterans of Americabronze supportersVeteran service organization supporting fellow veterans.
- Maury Regional Healthcommunity alliesRegional healthcare partner supporting veteran health services.
- Petsmartcommunity alliesPet retail partner for shelter and pet supplies support.
- Mutt Nation Foundationcommunity alliesAnimal rescue foundation supporting shelter dog rehabilitation.
- Shelter Pet Data Alliancebronze supportersData partner contributing shelter statistics and support.
- HCA Healthcaresilver advocatesHealthcare partner supporting veteran medical services.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- America's VetDogs: 501(c)(3) that trains and places service dogs free to disabled U.S. veterans, with programs spanning guide, hearing, mobility, and PTSD. Directly comparable nonprofit peer with similar veteran-segment focus and training methodology.
- Warrior Canine Connection: Service dog nonprofit for wounded warriors with a distinctive veteran-raises-puppy training model. Comparable mission of pairing veterans with service dogs, though uses a different training approach.
- Canine Companions for Independence: Large nonprofit providing service dogs to people with disabilities (veterans among them) free of charge. Comparable core offering (trained service dogs at no cost) though broader beneficiary base including children and adults with non-veteran disabilities.
- K9s For Warriors: Largest U.S. nonprofit providing service dogs to disabled military veterans, free of charge. Most direct comparable in mission, delivery model (shelter dog rescue + training), and target beneficiary (combat-disabled veterans with PTSD/TBI).
- Service Dogs Inc. Nonorganization that custom-trains service dogs for Texans with disabilities including veterans. Comparable mission and free-of-charge delivery model within overlapping geographic regions.
- Patriot Paws Service Dogs: Nonprofit that trains and provides service dogs free of charge to disabled American veterans, primarily focusing on mobility assistance and PTSD. Closely aligned service dog training-for-veterans mission and free-of-charge model.
- ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities): Nonprofit training service dogs for veterans and people with disabilities. Directly comparable free-of-charge service dog training program with overlapping beneficiary segments.
- paws4people ( paws4people foundation ): Nonprofit training service dogs for veterans, children, and adults with disabilities, including PTSD-focused programs. Comparable service-dog training mission with veteran-emphasis track.
- Hero Dogs: Nonprofit breeding, raising, and training service dogs for veterans and first responders with disabilities. Directly comparable mission, free-to-recipient model, and shelter-to-service pipeline element.
Others
- Best Friends Animal Society: National animal welfare nonprofit partnered with WDFV through Best Friends Network Partners for shelter rescue coordination. Comparable in shelter rescue mission but addresses the supply side of the dog pipeline rather than service dog training.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS social profiles
Digital presenceWORKING DOGS FOR VETS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WORKING DOGS FOR VETS
What does WORKING DOGS FOR VETS do?
Working Dogs For Vets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides trained service dogs and training at no cost to disabled American veterans, primarily those with combat-related disabilities (PTSD, TBI, mobility issues). The organization rescues dogs from U.S. animal shelters and trains them as service dogs through its In-House Program at the Lawrenceburg, TN headquarters and the nationwide No Veteran Left Behind (NVLB) Program, supported by a volunteer-led National Training Network spanning eight states.
Is WORKING DOGS FOR VETS a public or private company?
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was WORKING DOGS FOR VETS founded?
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS was founded in 2002. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is WORKING DOGS FOR VETS based?
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS is headquartered in Lawrenceburg, United States, in the North America region.
How does WORKING DOGS FOR VETS make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorship and NVLB Program Donations.
Who are WORKING DOGS FOR VETS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are America's VetDogs, Warrior Canine Connection, Canine Companions for Independence, K9s For Warriors, Service Dogs Inc., Patriot Paws Service Dogs, ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities), paws4people ( paws4people foundation ) and Hero Dogs. Best Friends Animal Society is listed as an others.
Does WORKING DOGS FOR VETS have an API?
No public API is recorded for WORKING DOGS FOR VETS.
What industry is WORKING DOGS FOR VETS in?
WORKING DOGS FOR VETS's product category is Veteran Disability Services & Service Dog Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAIAD, Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid, with a secondary code of HLAMAAAI, Behavioral Medicine & Training-Integrated Veterinary Services. Its NAICS code is 812910 and its SIC code is 8300.