American Humane’s inaugural Pups4Patriots 5K will raise funds to train shelter and rescue dogs as service dogs, free of cost, for veterans diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury.

For many veterans, transitioning to civilian life can be a challenge, often exacerbated by the lingering traumas of service. A growing body of peer-reviewed evidence, supported by ample anecdotes, suggests that service dogs can help veterans with PTS or TBI to live healthier, happier lives.

There are many obstacles standing in the way of veterans in need of service dogs, however, including long waiting lists and exorbitant costs, reaching upwards of $30,000 per service dog. Through its inaugural, virtual 5K, American Humane, at no cost to veterans, will identify dogs in need of forever homes who are good candidates for service dog training and pair them with veterans in need, literally saving lives on both ends of the leash.