This Veterans Day, the Dogtopia Foundation is celebrating its achievements in supporting veterans through the training and placement of service dogs. Since its founding in 2017, the foundation has raised more than $5 million, funded the training of service dogs for veterans in need, and supported over 700 veteran-service dog teams across the United States. The foundation partners with leading organizations including America’s VetDogs, Canine Companions, and K9s For Warriors, mobilizing thousands of Dogtopia pet parents and franchisees through creative fundraising events such as Makin’ Bacon parties, bubble days, and themed photo events.
“What began as a grassroots effort within a few Dogtopia daycares has evolved into a nationwide movement,” said Liz Meyers, Executive Director of the Dogtopia Foundation. “Every dollar raised, every dog trained and every veteran supported reflects the heart of our community. This Veterans Day, we’re proud to honor those who’ve served and the incredible dogs helping them heal.” Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia, added, “At Dogtopia, we believe dogs change lives, and nowhere is that more evident than in the bond between a veteran and their service dog. This milestone is a reflection of our community’s compassion and commitment to honoring those who’ve served.”
To commemorate Veterans Day, Dogtopia daycare centers nationwide are hosting special events, including patriotic-themed playrooms and live webcam messages of gratitude visible to pet parents. The foundation’s impact is underscored by testimonials from veterans like Jesse Heineken, a U.S. veteran and America’s VetDogs graduate, who said, “Thank you to every member of the Dogtopia team for helping to bring Brady into my life. When life feels like I’m walking a tightrope, Brady is my safety net. He takes me out of isolation, breaks the darkness, and brings light.”
John Miller, President and CEO of America’s VetDogs, noted the significance of the partnership: “America’s VetDogs was honored to be the first partner selected to work with the Dogtopia Foundation. Since our partnership began, they’ve donated nearly $600,000, a remarkable testament to their unwavering commitment to those who have served and to the extraordinary impact of service dogs.”
Beyond funding service dog training, the Dogtopia Foundation supports groundbreaking research led by Dr. Maggie O’Haire, associate dean for research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. Her studies highlight the measurable benefits of service dogs for veterans with PTSD, research that could help expand access and secure new support for more veterans in need of these life-changing companions.
The foundation’s work is part of a broader mission to enable dogs to positively change the world, focusing on service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. To support the Dogtopia Foundation’s mission, visit dogtopiafoundation.org. For more information about Dogtopia, visit dogtopia.com.
