Dogtopia Foundation Marks Veterans Day with National Support for Veteran-Service Dog Teams

The Dogtopia Foundation is commemorating Veterans Day with nationwide celebrations honoring veterans and the service dogs that provide them with life-changing companionship. As the philanthropic arm of Dogtopia, the nation's leading dog wellness franchise, the Foundation has expanded its reach to more than 250 locations across the country since its founding in 2017, united by the shared belief that dogs help our heroes regain independence, confidence, and connection.

Over the years, the Foundation has achieved significant milestones in supporting veterans. It has raised more than $5 million to fund the training of service dogs for veterans in need and supported more than 700 veteran-service dog teams nationwide. These efforts have been made possible through strategic partnerships with leading organizations including America's VetDogs, Canine Companions, and K9s For Warriors. The Foundation has mobilized thousands of Dogtopia pet parents and franchisees through creative fundraising efforts such as Makin' Bacon parties, bubble days, and themed photo events.

Liz Meyers, Executive Director of the Dogtopia Foundation, reflected on the organization's growth, stating that what began as a grassroots effort within a few Dogtopia daycares has evolved into a nationwide movement. She emphasized that every dollar raised, every dog trained, and every veteran supported reflects the heart of their community. Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia, added that the milestone demonstrates their community's compassion and commitment to honoring those who've served, noting that the bond between a veteran and their service dog powerfully illustrates how dogs change lives.

To commemorate Veterans Day, Dogtopia daycare centers across the country are hosting special events to celebrate those who served and raise funds for veterans awaiting service dogs. The celebrations extend to the canine participants as well, with playrooms decorated in patriotic themes and thank you messages visible to pet parents via Dogtopia's live webcams. Jesse Heineken, a U.S. veteran and America's VetDogs graduate, shared his personal experience, expressing gratitude for the Dogtopia team's role in bringing his service dog Brady into his life. He described Brady as his safety net during difficult times, helping him break isolation and find light in darkness.

John Miller, President and CEO of America's VetDogs, acknowledged the Foundation's significant contributions, noting that since their partnership began, the Dogtopia Foundation has donated nearly $600,000 to their organization. He described this as 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.