Helping Heroes

Geographic Scope: Nationwide (United States)

Focus Areas:

• Service dog programs for veterans
• Therapy and working animal programs
• Organizations that train shelter pets into service and companion dogs for veterans
• Support for military and contract working dogs retirement
• Programs serving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) support

Award Structure:

• Example: 50 organizations received $500,000+ in 2024 (averaging $10,000+ per organization)
• Total investment since 2009: $18 million
• Grants support organizations training shelter dogs to serve veterans and first responders

Eligibility:

• Service, therapy, and working animal organizations
• Organizations that transform shelter pets into service dogs
• Programs supporting veterans, military personnel, and first responders
• Organizations providing no-cost or subsidized service dog training

Selection: By invitation only. Eligible organizations will be contacted with instructions.

Impact Areas:

• Reduces anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms
• Improves sleep quality for veterans
• Helps with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery
• Provides emotional support and sense of belonging

How to Apply

Important: This grant cycle is by invitation only.

1. If your organization is eligible, Petco Love will reach out directly with instructions
2. No unsolicited applications accepted
3. Monitor petcolove.org for announcements

Eligibility Indicators:

• Organization must work with service dogs, therapy dogs, or working animals
• Must partner with or support veterans, military personnel, or first responders
• Should have demonstrated track record in animal training and placement

What They Fund:

• Service dog training programs
• Shelter dog rescue and training for veterans
• Programs addressing PTSD, TBI, and mental health support
• Dog retirement programs for military working dogs

Contact: petcolove.org for more information