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 K9 Kavalry 

 Empowering Veterans Through Their Own 
Canine Companions 

At K9 Kavalry, we believe that the strongest support for a veteran comes from the bond they already share with their own dog. Unlike traditional service dog programs that provide pre-trained dogs, we specialize in training veterans' existing canine companions to meet their unique needs.

Why We're Different

Most service dog programs require veterans to receive a fully trained dog, which comes with a host of challenges like strict care and maintenance requirements, legal stipulations, and restrictions that can limit a veteran’s freedom. Many of these programs have long waitlists, require extensive applications, and dictate the rules for how the dog must be handled. In some cases, the veteran must adjust their life to meet the program’s expectations rather than having a service dog that adapts to their life. 

At K9 Kavalry, we eliminate these obstacles by training the dog the veteran already owns, offering a more personalized, efficient, and accessible approach. Our program allows veterans to work with the dog they already love and trust, rather than having to adapt to a new animal with preset training that they will never truly own. Through our program, they end up with a custom-tuned service dog specific to their particular disability instead of one with skills that may not be useful or fully utilized.  

Every Veteran's Needs Are Unique

Each veteran experiences distinct physical and psychological responses to stress, anxiety, and trauma. A service dog must be attuned to these personal cues to provide real support. When a veteran receives a pre-trained service dog, that dog has been trained by a professional handler—not the veteran who will rely on it. That means the dog must now get to know its new handler from scratch—learning their specific triggers, body language, and emotional responses. This adjustment period can take months and may not always result in a perfect fit.

At K9 Kavalry, we eliminate this challenge. Instead of introducing a veteran to a new dog, we train the dog they already trust, ensuring that their companion learns to respond to their unique needs from the very start.

Our Approach And Offers:

  • Less Red Tape & Legal Restrictions – No contracts, ownership transfers, or strict program rules. Veterans remain in full control of their dog’s training and care.

  • No Additional Care or Maintenance Requirements – Since the dog is already part of their household, there are no surprise care expectations or unfamiliar routines.

  • Tailored Training – The dog learns to recognize and respond to the veteran’s individual physical and emotional cues.

  • Stronger Bond & Seamless Integration – No need for the dog to adapt to a new handler or environment; training is built on an already established trust, connection, and stability.

  • Seamless Transition – The dog learns alongside the veteran, eliminating the need for retraining or adjustment periods.

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  • We accept Veterans of any branch, rank, or length of service with a clean DD-214 and a service connected disability.
     
  • We accept dogs of any age, sex, breed, or temperament*.
*Aggressive / untrainable dogs may not qualify for the K9K SERVICE DOG program, however veterans can still become members of the pack and get help fixing canine behavioral issues. 
At K9 Kavalry, we don’t just train Veterans and Service Dogs. We empower them to actively treat their disabilities by enhancing the capabilities of their loyal companions, fostering a partnership built on trust and mutual support, and guiding them on a journey of self-discovery together.
YOU CAN HELP TODAY BY:
Becoming a Member (Veterans)
Becoming a Partner (Orgs/Businesses)
Becoming a Donor (Single or Monthly Donation)
Becoming a Supporter or a Volunteer

Marine Veteran

Auburn Wa

"As a 100% disabled vet, I didn't have the funds to buy a Service Dog or get training for the dog I had. K9K provided training, equipment and services at no cost. I now have a certified Service Dog that assists me with my disabilities. She has traveled on planes, trains, cars, lays under tables at restaurants and sleeps while I'm eating. My dog, with K9K support has changed my life!"

Marine Veteran

 Wilsonville Or

"As Veterans themselves, K9 Kavalry can relate to Veterans and their needs and tailor programs to fit dogs and veterans. Our Son developed a seizure disorder due to TBIs and K9 Kavalry helped his dog learn how to react when he experiences one in real time."

Army Veteran

Canton Oh

"K9 Kavalry has been nothing but kind, supportive and resourceful. It makes me feel more welcome and not alone when I can talk to other veterans in my position and share tips, tricks and just general experiences in our training journeys. They have been a great source that I cannot praise more."

Army Veteran

Meridian, Id

"If you are a veteran that needs help with training your dog to be a service dog, this is the group to hook up with. They help with all training needs and supply a starter kit too. Highly recommend"
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