Semper K9 Assistance Dogs
About the Program
Combat-veteran-founded nonprofit; current site describes service dogs free to disabled American veterans across the country.
Service Dogs Offered
Psychiatric-alert and mobility service dogs; maintenance training for existing veteran-owned dogs
Who Qualifies
Veterans and eligible dependents; existing-dog maintenance pathway for veterans in DMV area
Geographic eligibility: Nationwide placement; maintenance-training pathway limited to DMV/Northern Virginia travel area
Does the Program Provide the Dog?
Provider supplies dog: Yes
Yes — rescued/donated dogs
Owner-training supported: Yes
Yes, via Maintenance Training for qualifying existing dogs in DMV area
Cost & Financial Requirements
No application or service-dog fee; fundraising encouraged but not required. Handler responsible for ongoing dog care (~$1,200/year estimate).
Directory cost category: $1,000–$4,999
Wait Time & Application Status
Wait time: Approximately 18–24 months from approved application to receipt of dog
Applications: Contact / Verify
Application request currently available
ApplicationTraining & Travel Requirements
Training model: Provider dog placement or existing-dog evaluation/maintenance training
Travel/on-site requirement: Provider pathway includes home/public-access work; maintenance clients must attend Northern Virginia training at least twice monthly
Support After Placement
Home visit, public-access testing, certification/recertification, follow-up, annual reviews for life of dog