Mk9S Service Dogs

Outreach is a critical component to MK9s Service Dogs' continued success. Lead trainer is co-chair of Northern Virginia Collaborative which works with military members, veterans and organizations that support these communities. Several MK9s Service Dogs' volunteers participated in an outreach event at NOVA-Woodbridge campus in support of Disability Awareness month. Along with one of our Service Dogs in training they presented information and answered questions about utilizing a service dog. Over 300 students participated in this outreach program. Our retired service dog and his handler participated in a Veteran outreach program in MD this year. Mrs. Raley (handler) gave a presentation about service dogs and their impact on veterans' mental health. Over 75 people attended her presentation. MK9s also participated in a monthly program at a local restaurant to educate individuals on service dogs. During the 4-month program approximately 100 individuals were engaged. Our lead trainer also did a presentation at local business meet up which led to additional outreach opportunities for MK9s Service Dogs.

Active engagement with airport staff in VA to prepare security, airport, and airline personnel for interactions with service dogs as well as preparing service dogs in training for air travel. This engagement also included international air carriers for our teams traveling to the UK and Italy. Estimated to impact greater than 75 individuals in 2024.

As a partner organization with Project2Heal, MK9s Service Dogs donated five thousand dollars to support their mission of providing service dogs in training to nonprofits who work with veterans and children with autism. MK9s Service Dogs has been the recipient of 7 service dogs in training from Project2Heal.