There is a special bond between people and dogs, and through the USO Canine Program, service members and military families can feel the happiness, connection and support that only a dog can bring to their lives.

For many members of the military community, having a pet dog might not be possible due to frequent moves, military housing or deployment. For others, they may be far from a beloved canine companion due to their recovery from illness or injury at nearby military medical facilities. For many, they may just miss the simple comfort a wagging tail can provide. After all, studies show that the presence of dogs can have a positive effect on both our physical and mental health.

Whether they are a family pet, certified therapy dog or military working dog, pups of all shapes and sizes can make a positive impact on service members and military families.

How It Works

  • Active duty, Reserve or National Guard service members and military family members can engage with the USO Canine Program at several of our 250+ USO Centers around the globe, including USO Warrior and Family Centers, and at local military installation events.
  • Through the USO Canine Program, you can spend time with certified therapy dogs during regular, scheduled visits to Centers, or at USO Canine Program events.
  • Pet dogs of our military members are welcome at specific pet-centered USO events, bringing dog lovers together to share some fun and a sense of community.
  • Find your local USO Center or USO Family and Warrior Center to learn about upcoming USO Canine Program events, or look at our list of events below.

What Service Members and Military Families Receive

  • The joy of spending time, and connecting, with a dog.
  • The emotional and mental support of a dog, which can alleviate stress and provide an opportunity to focus on a moment outside of your daily demands.
  • The comfort of a canine companion, especially for those recovering from illness or injury near one of our USO Warrior and Family Centers, or for those separated from a family dog back home.
  • A sense of community among fellow dog-lovers and owners.
  • A greater understanding and appreciation for the work of certified therapy dogs and military working dogs.

How to Volunteer

Therapy and Comfort dogs and their handlers are considered volunteers and should follow the guidelines for application and reporting volunteer hours through USO’s Volunteer Management System. All USO therapy dogs and their handlers must provide documentation confirming that they are certified by a therapy dog certification organization that is recognized by the American Kennel Club, and that they have completed all corresponding requirements for such certification, including screenings and liability insurance coverage.

Please reach out to USO’s Canine Program Manager at [email protected] with any questions.



Leader, a therapy dog, is our 2024 USO Canine Volunteer of the Year!

Leader, a Rottweiler, is a certified therapy dog and USO Canine Volunteer who supports service members and military families at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Together with her owner Renice, Leader provides comfort and joy to the people who serve, and is especially known for her work with young military children who have lost a parent.