Mission & Overview
Soldier’s Best Friend is a nonprofit based in Peoria, Arizona, founded in 2011. Its mission is to provide U.S. military veterans who are living with combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Service or Therapeutic Companion Dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters
How It Works
1. Dog Rescue & Pairing
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Dogs are sourced from local shelters and rescue organizations across Arizona
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The organization alleviates pet overpopulation while offering a second chance to these dogs
2. Evaluation & Foster Phase
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Each dog undergoes temperament assessments, such as the Behavior Assessment Reactivity Checklist (B.A.R.C.), to ensure suitability
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Dogs go into foster care (typically for a few weeks to a month) to build basic skills and prepare them for training alongside their veteran partner
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Dogs are also spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and receive other necessary veterinary care—at no cost to the veteran during training
3. Joint Training Program
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Veterans and their matched dogs train together for six to nine months, with two sessions per week plus additional practice at home
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The training follows the owner/handler model, where professional trainers teach the veterans how to train their dogs
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Training covers basic obedience, public outings, and customized tasks that address each veteran’s specific PTSD or TBI symptoms
4. Graduation & Outcomes
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After completing the training, the dog becomes a qualified Service Dog or Therapeutic Companion Dog, fully trained to support the veteran both physically and emotionally
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All placements and training are provided at no cost to the veteran; the organization is funded entirely by charitable donations