Caddo K9 Academy Service Dog Program

Caddo K9 Academy is a 501(c) nonprofit organization founded in June 2023 by disabled US Army Veteran, John Gunderson and his wife Sheryl.

At Caddo K9 Academy, our mission is both simple and powerful: to provide service dogs and PTSD therapy puppies to disabled veterans and first responders in Texas, completely free of charge. 🎗️

Did you know that Texas is home to a staggering number of veterans, many of whom bear the scars of their service? With around 1.6 million veterans in the Lone Star State, it's shocking to realize that nearly a third of them suffer from service-related disabilities.  That's why we're committed to making a difference, one paw at a time. 

In 2024 our goal at Caddo K9 Academy is to place 2-4 service dogs with individuals in need.  Each placement is an opportunity to profoundly impact the life of a veteran or first responder, providing them with the support and companionship they deserve.  

But we can't do it alone. We need your help to continue this vital work. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a tangible difference. Here's how your contribution can directly impact our cause:

💰 As little as $50 per month will provide food for a dog in training.

💰💰Each service dog placed costs approximately $35,000, covering procurement, care, training, and ongoing support.

Here's a breakdown of where your donations go:

🔍 Procurement: Breed and evaluate new dogs for the training program.

🐾 General Care: Food, kennel care, and training supplies.

🏥 Veterinary Care: Medical screenings, medications, preventative medication, and general healthcare.

👩‍🏫 Service Dog Training: Staffer's training wages, dog and staff transport between program locations.

👨‍🎓 Veteran/Service Dog Training plus Equipment: Training, adaptive equipment, and support for disabled Veteran/Service dog teams.

🔍 Follow-up Support: In-home visits, customization training, public access testing, and annual recertification.

Ways to Support 

1. Amazon Wishlist:   Visit our Amazon Wishlist and select the items you'd like to donate and add them to your cart.  Complete the purchase process, and Amazon will deliver the items directly to us. 

2. Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation to support our service dog and PTSD therapy puppy programs.

3. Spread the Word: Share our fundraiser with friends, family, and pet lovers. The more people who know about our mission, the more support we can gather.

Your generosity ensures that our heroes receive the support they need and deserve. Together, let's make a profound impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

We believe that together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country and communities.  

🐾❤️Thank you for supporting Caddo K9 Academy and our mission to serve those who have served us.