we like to call it the big picture. and that is to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals who are suffering from a mental health illness by focusing on a specific area with a history of proven results: Psychiatric Service Dogs.

we are devoted to individuals who have limited financial resources, but are rich in spirit and commitment to empowering themselves, their children, and their families. 

when we help one person, we help their entire circle: family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the people who make-up their day-to-day life.

healthy individuals are better able to take care of themselves, their children, and their families. healthy individuals have more meaningful relationships with those around them which translates into better family life, neighborhoods, schools, work places, communities.

these highly trained service dogs are a significant financial investment and health insurance, at this time, does not cover any part of the expense.  we believe that money should not be a barrier to accessing the help needed to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

Psychiatric Service Dogs are essential for the day-to-day functioning of someone with a mental health illness.

our mission. it’s the overarching goal to everything we do.

CORE VALUES

we work in conjunction with individuals and their mental healthcare professional.

we are guided by the standards of Assistance Dogs International and strive to establish enduring ethical principles.

we are committed to educating candidates about their rights and responsibilities of owning a psychiatric service dog — including wellness, healthcare, behavior, etiquette, and conduct.

we recognize the intrinsic value in matching the appropriate person with the appropriate dog. 

we integrate newly matched recipients and dogs — known as “service dog teams” — with all aspects of their new life together including family members, school, work place, local businesses, housing authorities, neighbors, and public transport.

we insist that regular ongoing training of service dog teams is a fundamental imperative to their progress, their healing process, and ultimately their success.

we aim, through our local programs, to educate the public on the importance of psychiatric service dogs and the dangers of misrepresenting an untrained dog as a service animal. 

we are non-partisan and our cooperation is free of discrimination.

we work with all our partners to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health — which remains a key issue driven by negative associations, experience and language.