Warrior Canine Connection

Are you a military veteran or family member looking for a way to give back?

Join our unique animal-assisted therapy program, provided in partnership with nationally recognized nonprofit Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). You’ll help train future service dogs using WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) model — where each dog has the potential to impact the lives of dozens of Veterans and Military Families. Help us change their lives, one dog at a time.

If you’re in the Albuquerque or Santa Fe area and want to make a real difference, this is your chance. No experience needed — we’ll teach you how to train these highly skilled, life-changing dogs, using WCC’s MBTR model. These incredible dogs provide mobility support and judgement free companionship to Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

Assistance Dogs of the West is proud to team up with WCC to help Veterans heal while training service dogs who will go on to impact their fellow Warriors. It’s a powerful way to find purpose, build connection, and give back.

Ready to get involved?

Fill out a class inquiry form and we will reach out to schedule a program interview.

1 Dog : 1 Veteran

Veteran recipients of ADW dogs have served in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. No matter your combat exposure or military branch we welcome all veteran applicants including family members.

ADW places service dogs with veteran recipients requiring individual and family support for anxiety disorders, PTSD, mobility impairments, medical alert cases and more. ADW does not train dogs for people who are blind or have a visual impairment or for people who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment. Please review the application carefully. It contains all the information necessary to apply as a prospective client for an ADW dog.

All veteran applicants are encouraged to attend Warrior Canine Connection classes to meet our ADW dogs, grow your dog handling skills, and gain public access experience for you and your eventual match.

We know you have many questions about this process, so check out our FAQs page to get started. Then you can email with any questions, and request an application. Once you have submitted the form, we will be in touch to set up an interview.

VETERAN CRISIS HOTLINE is now 988 then press 1

When you Call or Text the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, press 1 for trained responders and counselors that will listen and help. Free support for Veterans and Supporters available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.

Each 505 Leash Project  lead is handmade by military veterans. These former warriors are now on a new mission to help train service dogs for their communities, fellow vets and veteran families. 

Every leash is made from durable, braided nylon with either a zinc or brass clasp and is approximately 4′ in length.

While ordering, you will be able to CHOOSE if you’d like to have your leash mailed for a fee or will pick it up at the ADW office. You will need to call ahead prior to picking it up (505-986-9748). Please allow two to three weeks for creation and delivery.