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What We Do

Request Application

You must currently live in the state of Arizona or be willing to relocate for a minimum of six to nine months to complete training if accepted. If true or willing, check Yes.
You must have a confirmed medical diagnosis for combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or combat-related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and can provide documentation of this. If applicable, check Yes.

Note: If you currently own a dog between the ages of 9 months and 3 years you want to be evaluated for acceptance as your service/therapeutic companion dog, the dog must be spayed/neutered within 30 days of passing the evaluation to be accepted into the program.

If you currently have a dog younger than 9 months of age, please do not submit your application until the dog is at least 9 months and you are ready to have them spayed/neutered.


Dog Ownership Annual Amounts

SBF provides dogs at no cost to the veteran.  Through the duration of the veteran/dog team going through the program, SBF will cover all costs associated with the dog.  Once the team has graduated, ownership of the dog is transferred to the veteran and the veteran will then be responsible for the expenses of their dog.

The cost of owning a dog is estimated to be $1,500 to $9,900 per year. There are ways to save money depending on the choices you make. Contributing factors include your dog's size and age, the region you live in, your lifestyle, and your dog's individual needs.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC's) official website, lifetime costs are estimated as follows:

  • Small dog: $15,051 (average life expectancy of 15 years) $1003 per year.
  • Medium dog: $15,782 (average life expectancy of 13 years) $1214 per year
  • Large dog: $14,480 (average life expectancy of 10 years) $1448 per year

Our Impact

  • Graduated Veteran/Dog Teams

    413

  • Rescued Arizona Homeless Dogs

    277+

  • Our Goal for Veterans Served in 2024

    175

  • Training Hours Provided in 2023

    2825

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