Caption L-R: Service Dog in Training (SDiT) Pearson, Ambassador Service Dog (Ret.) Bean

What is the VMF Mission?

Veterans Moving Forward, Inc. (VMF), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs to Veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges, at no cost to the Veteran or their family.

Who Does VMF Serve?

VMF’s services are available to any Veteran of any generation, who served honorably, has physical and/or mental challenges resulting from military operations and/or accident or disease experienced during or subsequent to military service, lives in the continental United States, Hawaii or Alaska, and can benefit from a service dog.

Did You Know?

It costs $40,000 - $50,000 and takes two years to train a service dog.

80% of all donations go directly back into the training of the service dogs.

Match Your Donation

Did you know that many companies have a matching donor program? If your company matches, you can double your donation. Look for us on Benevity, CyberGrants, Walmart Spark Good, CFC (Use our CFC #67347) and Great Non-Profits.

With your support, we can increase the number of Veterans who will gain the sense of purpose, comfort, and independence they deserve and help them move forward with a "new leash on life".

Caption: Clayton Jones the Purple Heart Service Dog

What Our Service Dogs Can Do for a Veteran

VMF Service Dogs are trained to respond to emotional distress and help Veterans to get past episodes ranging from seizures to panic attacks, offering comfort, peace, and security to their Vet to get through the episode.
They can assist with physical tasks such as opening doors, turning on lights, and fetching medication.
They can help Veterans reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medication and prevent Veteran suicide.

The independence and feeling of normalcy these dogs provide are crucial to not only changing but also saving the lives of Veterans who have lost hope.

Caption: Service Dog Clayton Jones Shopping with his Veteran

Veteran Testimonials

"I have witnessed hardened combat vets smiling for the first time in weeks and highly guarded individuals suddenly engaging with their peers over a common admiration for Gil’s impressive service to their group. Many of these patients see him as their hero; a little ironic given that they are heroes to us all.” - Katie from Tactical Recovery

"Jacob has been of great assistance. He is always close to me and notices when I am stressed out or angry. He checks on me during the day and places his head on my leg. My quality of life has increased by far, I cannot imagine my everyday without Jacob." -Pedro

"I utilize Paulie as a service dog and therapy dog as she easily connects with individuals who are presenting as dysregulated or struggling and quickly helps to calm them down. She is also a very important part of helping me maintain a steady state of calmness throughout my sometimes-hectic days." - Paulie's Veteran

"Forever grateful to everyone at VMF for the gift of enjoying family life in public again." -Anonymous

L-R Captions: VMF Service Dog in Training (SDiT), Sonny. Service Dog in Training (SDiT) Pearson going for a ride in the Rally 4 Vets car at The Top Dog Championship. A Veteran and his Service Dog at the Aquarium. Jesse with his Service Dog, Paulie.

2025 Service Dogs Help Give Veterans a New Leash on Life

Making a Difference in the Lives of Veterans

Team Members