Who We Are 

Returning to civilian life can be very hard for any veteran, and often there aren’t enough resources
available. Having a service animal is another layer of support; helping the veteran cope with everyday stressors, regain confidence, and connect with the world again. The impact is great because the service dog is by the veteran’s side 24/7, and fosters the
meaning, “I got your 6.”

That’s where we come in. Hope Lives Here provides service dogs for veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST) and or chronic pain disorders. Service dogs are very expensive, with fees ranging from $15,000-$75,000. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not cover this cost. Through our program, eligible veterans are not obligated to pay a penny.

What makes Hope Lives Here unique? We rescue dogs from local shelters, pair them with a veteran,
and train the two as a team. The bond formed between the service dog and veteran is like no other.
We believe in healing heroes, two at a time.

Did You Know?

Service dogs are highly trained animals that perform specific tasks for a person that he or she cannot do because of a medical condition or disability. A service dog’s tasks can include:

• Physically interrupting and redirecting a panic attack
• Reminding handler to take medication
• Retrieving medication, a phone, or a family member
• Physically regulate heart rate
• Pressing buttons and pulling open doors
• Alerting to anger to prevent escalation
• Retrieving and carrying objects
• Waking and redirecting from nightmares
• Assisting with mobility and balance issues
• Turning lights off and on
• Alerting to triggers to mitigate anxiety

The Facts

• PTS affects 40% of veterans
• 500,000 returning vets suffer from TBI, a major depression disorder, or chronic pain
• In the U.S. an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide every day-that’s one death every 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Over a two year period, 4-6 billion dollars are spent to treat PTS and other depression disorders
• $591-$910 million is spent to diagnose and treat TBI
• Data reveals 23% of women and 55% of men have experienced military sexual trauma
• 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters every year
• Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home
• Homeless animals outnumber people 5-1
• Texas ranks number 2 in the nation for shelter euthanasia
• About 1.2 million healthy, adoptable dogs-roughly one every 13 seconds-are euthanized
in U.S. shelters each year