Start a life-changing partnership

If you’re a U.S. military veteran struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges, you don’t have to face them alone. Our program, serving Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties in Northern California, connects you with a trained rescue dog to support your healing, build trust, and offer daily companionship. Apply today to begin your journey toward renewed strength—with a purpose-filled partner by your side.

Everything you need to know about the adoption process

Applying for a Canine Partner is easy! We’ve created a straightforward process to ensure that we match you with the right dog and provide you with the support you need throughout your healing journey.

Adopting a dog is a wonderful way to bring joy, love, and companionship into your life, as well as a big responsibility that requires careful consideration and preparation. We are here to guide you into a life changing friendship.

Available Dogs

Adoption steps

  • Submit Your Application – Fill out our online application form, providing information about your needs and lifestyle.
  • Personalized Assessment – After reviewing your application, we’ll schedule time to learn more about your experiences and preferences. This includes telephone, in-person, and home visits to discuss your needs, an appropriate dog, the application information and projects needed to prepare for animal guardianship.
  • Dog Matching – Based on the assessment, we’ll carefully match you with a dog that aligns with your emotional and physical needs.
  • Training & Support – Once matched, you’ll begin the training process with your new canine partner, guided by our expert trainers.
Dog running with flag in its mouth.

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure we provide the best possible match for you and your new companion, we ask that applicants meet the following criteria:

  • You must live in either Sacramento, Placer or El Dorado county in Northern California.
  • You are a member of the Armed Forces, active duty, retired, or reservist.
    (Note: If you are not a member of the Armed Forces, you will be required to make an adoption donation based on the type of adoption.)
  • You must provide a copy of your associated Armed Forces ID card.
  • You must be experiencing challenges related to PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues that impact your daily life.
  • You must be committed to participating in the training process and the ongoing support our program offers.
Apply to Adopt

Dog adoption program FAQs

If you’re not a member of the Armed Forces (active, retired, or reserve), our adoption donation is $975, which includes microchipping, updated vaccinations, heartworm testing, neuter/spay, obedience training, and the Good Canine Citizen (CGC) Certificate. Members of the Armed Forces do not have to pay an adoption donation.

We provide the best information we have about the dog on their profile page. After you submit an adoption application, we will review your information and during the assessment process, you will have opportunities to ask more questions.

We do not have a shelter to visit the animals. You can meet the dogs during our Meet & Greet process, where you will be encouraged to meet the dog either in your home or a suitable location.

We understand that sometimes our adoptees may need further treatment or programs and we first try to provide foster care within these circumstances.

If you are unable to keep or care for your dog, our contract states that you must return the animal to our rescue.

No, we do not place dogs on a first come, first served basis. The quality of the match to the needs and lifestyle of the adopter and the dog is a top priority for us. We evaluate all potential homes before approving an adoption.