Help veterans unleash their independence
Puppy Jake’s specially trained service dogs help veterans restart their life.
Puppy Jake's path
Our mission
Changing vets’ lives, one dog at a time
At Puppy Jake, we’re here to thank vets for their service by pairing them with well-bred canine companions. These dogs are professionally trained to each veteran’s unique needs, socialized to be ready to assist in any setting.
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We have placed more than 50 service dogs with veterans over the last 10 years.
Join the Puppy Jake Family
Is a service dog right for you?
Puppy Jake believes in what a canine companion can do for veterans. If you’re a military veteran who experiences difficulties readjusting to civilian life, whether that be physical, mental, or both, a service dog may be the support you need for the life you deserve.
Become a foster.
The key to our success is the foster families who raise and train dogs. For five months at a time, dogs live with the foster family and go practically everywhere with them, including weekly trainings at the Puppy Jake Training Facility. But don’t worry, we’ll teach you everything you need to know in orientation classes before receiving a dog and our trainers are readily available to help and guide foster families through the entire process. It can be a tasking job; with an extensive training program, outings, travel, homework, and evaluations, but one that is extremely rewarding when we see all of our hard work pay off. To learn more, sign up here.
Volunteer opportunities.
There are many ways you can get involved with Puppy Jake Foundation. From helping raise a puppy to assisting with fundraising, you can find an area that suits your interests, schedule, and strengths. Apply today!
Following in his pawprints
Puppy Jake’s Legacy
In 2023, we raised more than $800,000 from generous people like you
Meet Jake! From failed service dog to the face of Puppy Jake.
We take the time to do it right with our innovative training program.
Show your support
Wanna give us a treat?
The Taylor Foundation
A word from our friend Corey Taylor!
We are grateful to Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and The Taylor Foundation for their support and efforts in spreading awareness about our mission.
Dive Deeper
Learn more about us!
Watch our Iowa PBS Express spotlight to learn more about the lives of those we impact, veterans and volunteers alike!
Events
Upcoming events
Dog Perfect for Veterans Begins Feb. 4
This 15-week course leads veterans and their pet dogs through the basics of obedience such as sit + down, loose leash walking, how to ignore distractions and more! Dogs should
Join Us for Puppy Yoga on Saturday, Feb. 8
Our newest puppies are just about ready to start their service dog in training journey. Before they do, they are ready for some yoga and cuddles. Bring your mat or
Next session of Training Fundamentals Coming in March!
The next session of Training Fundamentals begins Monday, March 10. This class is designed for volunteers to learn the fundamentals of Puppy Jake’s service dog program. We discuss how to
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- Online
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- Des Moines
Stories
Stories of healing
Service dogs help veterans live the life they want. Their assistance ranges from physical to mental and beyond. Physically, service dogs can help pick things up off of the floor, help a veteran out of a chair, or even take the laundry out of a dryer. Service dogs also have a wide range of abilities to assist with mental health, from disrupting negative thoughts and nightmares to giving them the confidence to attend their children’s events or even simply to be in public. They’re more than just pets, they’re part of vets’ teams.
We celebrate these successes with our veterans.
Latest News
Tickets available for screening of upcoming Iowa PBS documentary
For the past two years, Iowa PBS has been a fixture at Puppy Jake events and classes as they have been shooting footage for the
Three Dogs Graduate, Three Retire
On Saturday, January 11, Puppy Jake celebrated the graduation of three service dog teams, plus the unvesting, or the retirement, of three teams. For more