Join Operation Kindness as we honor service dogs all of September. These heroic dogs provide safety and independence to children and adults with disabilities. Since 2023, we have partnered with Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) to transform the lives of shelter dogs and people.
From Shelter to Service Dog Program
Shelter to Service Dogs is a unique program that starts with DBL staff identifying shelter dogs with the right temperament and skills to become service dogs. Dogs for Better Lives then provides specialized training to transform them into hearing assistance dogs, autism assistance dogs, or facility dogs.
During their time in professional training, these dogs reside in foster homes with our foster volunteers who work closely with an assistance dog trainer from DBL. This approach not only facilitated their training but also allowed them to avoid the stress shelter dogs often experience in kennels. Shelter dogs who don’t graduate to become a service dog will be adopted out in the community, benefiting from the additional skills they learned in the program.
Service Dog Roles
Hearing assistance dogs are trained to alert people to household sounds that are necessary for everyday safety and independence. This helps the hearing impaired live safely and with confidence.
Autism assistance dogs are specially trained to enhance the safety and well-being of children and families living with Autism. This is done by providing a minimum of three tasks to assist with keeping children grounded and focused during their daily routine.
Facility dogs work with and assist professionals such as physicians, teachers, counselors, police officers and child advocates. These dogs interact daily and support people with disabilities or vulnerable populations.
We are proud of our partnership with Dogs for Better Lives and look forward to watching more shelter dogs thrive in their new roles.
