RESCUE ONE, SAVE TWO.

Operation Delta Dog harnesses the human/dog connection by rescuing shelter dogs at risk of euthanasia and training them as life-saving service companions for veterans with trauma-related disabilities, at no cost. Dogs get the homes they need, and veterans get the help they deserve.

Since 2013, OPDD has placed over 200 rescued dogs with disabled veterans of all ages, branches, and backgrounds living with the "invisible" disabilities of PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

The Need
1 in 4 U.S. veterans lives with PTSD, TBI, or MST, which can trigger depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, and night terrors, leading to isolation and high suicide risk. We lose 22 veterans each day to suicide, the second leading cause of death in the military.

Our Approach
No veteran should face hidden battles alone. Veterans receive support during training, throughout the life of their dog, and beyond: a specially trained service dog, intensive training, direct assistance, case management, peer mentors, enriching activities, and inclusion in a veteran-centered community for life.

Our Vision
Every veteran in our community fighting these invisible disabilities has access to a psychiatric service dog, ultimately reducing veteran suicide in the regions we serve.

Our Programs

• Dog Rescue: Dogs are pulled from shelters' 48-hour euthanasia lists.

• Fostering & Adoption: Every dog receives foundational training, enrichment, and exercise. Dogs less suited to service are placed in fully vetted loving homes.

• Training & Placement: After placement, trainers work weekly with each veteran/dog team for up to 18 months, until the veteran is confident and the dog meets OPDD and Assistance Dogs International standards.

• Peer Mentoring: Graduates volunteer as "Battle Buddies" to offer motivation and encouragement.

• Individualized Case Management: Regular one-on-one check-ins with a licensed clinical provider, plus referrals to services and resources.

• Wrap Around Services: Refresher training, replacement companion placement, food and supplies, and help with veterinary costs and other essentials.

• Community Building: Isolation is the hardest hurdle for those with trauma-related disabilities. Enriching activities connect veterans with one another, offer public training opportunities with their companions, and build a durable social network based on acceptance and understanding.