
Operation Sidekick
Our Shelter to Service program is rescuing, raising, and training pit bull dogs as service dogs (Sidekicks) for our veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 20 military lives are lost to suicide from PTSD daily. Thousands of pit bulls are euthanized weekly. Utilizing a discarded population to help an underserved population. Welcome to Operation Sidekick – we got your six.
SEED20 COMPETITION
Evoking Hope – On Stage
In 2016 we set out on a mission to spread awareness about the mental health crisis plaguing our veterans and to raise awareness about how a population of discarded shelter animals could have a significant, positive impact on those veterans. Watch one of our first presentations on stage at SEED20 to learn more about where we started and how this community crisis requires a community solution. Special thanks to Social Venture Partners.
Our process
Pairing Sidekicks and Veterans
Criteria for our Sidekicks:
Our service dogs in training are specifically selected and cultivated for their significant jobs based on personality traits, temperament, and natural drive. We look for friendly, confident dogs that show no signs of aggression and are eager learners.
We select our service dog candidates through our local shelter and rescue partners and only accept pit bull-type dogs into the program.
We do not train already-owned dogs for service dog work
We do not accept donated dogs from private owners or rescued dogs from private citizens.


Criteria for our Veteran Candidates:
Our service dogs are paired with veterans based on the dog’s skills and abilities which best fit with the needs of the veteran. We do not pair dogs on a first-come, first-served basis due to the need to pair the right dog with the right person.
Veteran applicants must have a referral from a licensed healthcare provider which recommends a service dog and service dog-specific tasks that the provider believes would be beneficial to the treatment plan for the veteran.
Veterans must fill out an application and supply a copy of their DD214 with personal references
Veteran candidates must be willing to take on the full responsibility of the dog financially after placement, provide daily enrichment, continue training with their dog, and continue basic veterinary care and grooming responsibilities.
what we train
We specifically train tasks that benefit mitigating PTSD with some mobility inclusion such as:
- Nightmare alerts
- Anxiety alerts
- Retrieving (medication / phone / adaptive equipment)
- Minimal bracing for mobility support
- Operating Handicap Door Switches
- Deep Pressure Therapy

Volunteer Opportunities
How to help
Training
Our Volunteer Handlers make puppy raising possibleHands-on Impact
Take the leash and learn to lead a puppy to service
Awareness
It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us - Jackie M.Driving attention to need
Help shine a light on a community solution that requires a community to act
Fundraising
Possibility is born here - with sustainabilityRelationship Goals
Help direct support to the program and cultivate those invested in making an impact
Training
Be a Puppy Raiser and help raise, train, and socialize our Sidekicks with the help and guidance of our team. Experience not required, dedication a must.
Awareness
Utilize your network to raise awareness about shelter overpopulation and veteran suicide to recruit help for the program.
Fundraising
Become a part of the fundraising team and help with grants, events such as our RescueMe 5k, and campaigns to continue the sustainability of our program.

Get Involved
How to help
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled some of the most asked questions we receive