What is Project Kenny? 

Project Kenny is a nonprofit organization that provides trained service dogs to veterans and service members navigating challenges such as PTSD, TBI, MST, anxiety, and reintegration. Our focus is on building strong, lasting partnerships between veterans and their dogs. 

Ready to take the next step? Apply for a Service Dog | Support a Veteran – Donate

A service dog is not a piece of equipment—it is a living partner that depends on you every day. 

A service dog can be life-changing, but it also requires a long-term commitment, lifestyle adjustments, and daily responsibility. Before applying, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the responsibilities to determine if this is the right fit for you. 

Is a service dog right for me? 

We strongly encourage all applicants to review the video below before applying. It provides a clear and honest view of what it means to live and work with a service dog. 

If you are unsure after reviewing this, it’s okay to take more time before applying. 

Are You Ready for a Service Dog? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-Tf7s2suzI 

Important considerations before getting a service dog 

Am I financially prepared for a service dog long-term? 

Project Kenny covers the cost of the dog and all training prior to placement. After placement, veterans are responsible for ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, grooming, equipment, and unexpected medical needs, which can exceed $1,000 per year. 

Am I ready for the daily responsibility? 

A service dog requires consistent daily care, including feeding, exercise, grooming, and attention. This is a long-term commitment that typically lasts 10–15 years. 

Am I prepared for ongoing training and upkeep? 

Receiving a service dog is not a one-time event. Veterans must continue reinforcing training, maintaining structure, and actively working with their dog over time. 

Am I comfortable with public attention? 

Working with a service dog often brings increased visibility in public settings. Veterans should be prepared for questions, interactions, and situations where they may need to advocate for themselves and their dog. 

Do I have a plan for emergencies? 

It’s important to have a backup plan in place if you are temporarily unable to care for your dog due to illness, travel, or other unexpected situations.

Who can apply for a Project Kenny service dog? 

Project Kenny serves veterans and service members who would benefit from a trained service dog. Applicants must be able to participate in training and maintain the long-term partnership. 

Are you only for Special Forces veterans? 

No. Project Kenny serves veterans across all branches, roles, and backgrounds. Our focus is on need, readiness, and fit—not military specialty. 

How do I apply for a service dog? 

You can apply through our website by completing the application form with details about your background, needs, and living situation. After submission, our team will review your application and follow up with next steps. 

Start your application today: Apply Now

What happens after I submit my application? 

We review your application and may reach out for additional information, interviews, or evaluations. The goal is to ensure the right match between veteran and dog, not simply the fastest placement. 

How long does it take to receive a service dog? 

The timeline varies based on training capacity, available dogs, and matching needs. As a general rule, the waitlist is typically 1–2 years because each dog must be properly trained and matched for long-term success. 

Is there a waitlist? 

Yes. Demand for service dogs exceeds current training capacity, and placement is based on readiness and fit rather than order alone. 

If I’m not selected right away, what does that mean? 

Not being selected immediately does not mean you are not a fit. It may reflect timing, availability, or the need to find the right dog for your specific situation. 

If you can’t help me soon, who else can I reach out to? 

We encourage veterans to apply to other reputable service dog organizations as well. If you need help identifying additional resources, please contact us and we can help guide you. 

Where do your dogs come from? 

Project Kenny sources dogs through breeders, partners, and select candidates that meet service dog standards.  

Do you train rescue animals? 

In some cases, young rescue dogs may be evaluated if they meet strict temperament and health requirements.  

Do you provide “designer” dogs? Why not only use Labradors or German Shepherds? 

We select dogs based on the needs of the veteran, including allergies, family dynamics, home environment, and lifestyle. Our goal is to match each veteran with the dog that will best support their daily life. 

What kind of training do the dogs receive? 

Dogs complete a structured, multi-month training program focused on service tasks, public behavior, reliability, and the specific needs of the veteran. 

How are dogs matched with veterans? 

We match based on personality, lifestyle, environment, and specific support needs. This intentional process helps create a strong, sustainable partnership.

Do I have to come to Wyoming to receive my dog? 

Veterans are generally asked to travel to Casper, Wyoming for a 3-day in-person handoff and training experience. The veteran is responsible for travel costs, and when possible, Project Kenny may help cover hotel accommodations. 

Why do you train in Wyoming? 

Wyoming provides a focused training environment with fewer distractions, varied terrain, and lower operating costs. This allows us to maintain high-quality training while keeping the program accessible. 

How much does it cost to receive a dog? 

There is no cost to receive a Project Kenny service dog, including training and placement. However, veterans are responsible for the ongoing costs of caring for the dog after placement. 

What are the ongoing costs of owning a service dog? 

Ongoing costs include food, routine veterinary care, preventative medications, grooming, equipment, and emergency medical expenses. These costs can exceed $1,000 per year, and veterans should be prepared for this long-term responsibility. 

Do you provide veterinary care? 

Dogs are fully vetted and prepared at the time of placement. Ongoing veterinary care becomes the responsibility of the veteran, and we strongly recommend pet insurance to help manage unexpected expenses. 

What support do I receive after placement? 

We provide ongoing follow-up, training support, and guidance after placement. If a placement is not successful, Project Kenny will take the dog back and reassess to ensure the best long-term outcome. 

Help fund a veteran’s service dog: Donate Now

How does Project Kenny maintain quality? 

Project Kenny focuses on careful dog selection, structured training, intentional matching, and ongoing follow-up after placement. Our priority is to place the right dog with the right veteran while reducing unnecessary delays. 

Why does Project Kenny focus on reducing barriers? 

Many veterans face long wait times, high costs, and complex processes when seeking a service dog. Project Kenny is designed to make access more achievable while maintaining strong standards for training and long-term success.

How can I get involved if I’m not a veteran? 

You can support Project Kenny by donating, volunteering, sponsoring a dog, or partnering with us. Community support directly increases the number of veterans we can serve. 

Make an impact today: Donate | Sponsor a Dog | Partner With Us

Your donation supports the full lifecycle of a service dog, including training, care, placement, and long-term veteran support. At more than $22,000 per dog, every contribution directly increases the number of veterans we can serve.

Demand for service dogs continues to grow, and training capacity is limited. Donations directly determine how many veterans Project Kenny can serve each year.

It costs more than $22,000 to train and place a Project Kenny service dog, including training, care, and placement preparation. 

Project Kenny prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and long-term support while maintaining strong training standards. Our model is focused on helping veterans build successful, lasting partnerships with their dogs.

We track placements, follow-up engagement, and long-term outcomes for veterans and dogs. Supporters can stay connected through updates, stories, and reporting.

Yes. Corporate partners can support through sponsorships, employee engagement, and community partnerships. contact@projectkenny.org

Yes. Project Kenny engages in military, veteran, sports, and community events to expand awareness and support. 

Every donation helps place more service dogs with veterans who need them. 

Donate Now

Sponsor a Dog

Partner With Us