Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program


To Apply for a Service Dog (provided at NO COST), please visit our Applications Page
Please Note: We do not train medical alert service dogs.


K9 Care Montana extends all programs and services to our wounded veterans. Although the severity may vary, all combat veterans experience Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). In addition to our service dog program, as an alternative treatment for PTS, we provide customized outdoor activities and events for war veterans and associated organizations .The incorporation of our service dogs adds to the uniqueness of our program, allowing the veterans the opportunity to experience interaction with a trained service dog along with the great outdoors. There is supporting evidence showing the interaction with such dogs lowers stress levels and can assist the healing process. 

​Team K9 Care Montana sets the stage for healing and recovery. As a result of a severe spinal injury in 1984, 
David "Dogman" Riggs closely relates to the recovery process and the struggles that are associated with a trauma injury, including PTS. With his service dog by his side, David shares his life experience with veterans to provide additional information, hope and encouragement. K9 Care Montana, Inc. often accepts recipients from members or alumni of like-minded organizations like Wounded Warriors Project (WWP)Project Healing Waters, and Montana Wounded Warriors.

By encouraging positive based outdoor activities and events, K9 Care sets the stage for many improvements without the distraction from outside stimuli which often is absorbed and causes a child to have a sensory overload. In addition we provide further evidence which shows that dogs can produce a calming effect in some children, without the side effects caused by some medications. Other benefits include improved socialization with siblings/other children, eye contact, assistance with communication, increased verbalization and much more. Children with autism seem to relate to a dog better than to a human. We have documented highly trained service dogs assisting ABA therapist, accomplishing goals just by using a dog that responds to hand signals. The only requirement is the child likes dogs. There is further evidence cortisol (stress hormone) decreases in the presence of a K9 companion for both family and children with autism.

K9 Care Montana has never claimed to be a miracle cure; however, we have achieved great success with some children who have been considered runners, non-verbal, repeaters and other challenging behaviors that come with being on the autism spectrum. Our approach is considered as an alternative treatment for autism. In some cases, the child with autism has medications that have been decreased if not halted all together as a result.

We welcome new families and participants. As Team K9 Care Montana continues its mission, we need your help. We provide this service at no cost. Your donation goes directly to the cause. We invite autism organizations throughout the United States to contact us regarding program presentations, participation and availabilities. All K9 Care events and activities are funded by K9 Care Montana annual fundraising efforts and associated sub committees.

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