Help veterans unleash their independence
Puppy Jake’s specially trained service dogs help veterans restart their life.
Puppy Jake's path
Our mission
Changing vets’ lives, one dog at a time
At Puppy Jake, we’re here to thank vets for their service by pairing them with well-bred canine companions. These dogs are professionally trained to each veteran’s unique needs, socialized to be ready to assist in any setting.
60
+
We have placed more than 60 service dogs with veterans over the last 12 years.
Join the Puppy Jake Family
Is a service dog right for you?
Puppy Jake believes in what a canine companion can do for veterans. If you’re a military veteran who experiences difficulties readjusting to civilian life, whether that be physical, mental, or both, a service dog may be the support you need for the life you deserve.
Become a foster.
The key to our success is the foster families who raise and train dogs. For five months at a time, dogs live with the foster family and go practically everywhere with them, including weekly trainings at the Puppy Jake Training Facility. But don’t worry, we’ll teach you everything you need to know in orientation classes before receiving a dog and our trainers are readily available to help and guide foster families through the entire process. It can be a tasking job; with an extensive training program, outings, travel, homework, and evaluations, but one that is extremely rewarding when we see all of our hard work pay off. To learn more, sign up here.
Volunteer opportunities.
There are many ways you can get involved with Puppy Jake Foundation. From helping raise a puppy to assisting with fundraising, you can find an area that suits your interests, schedule, and strengths. Apply today!
Following in his pawprints
Puppy Jake’s Legacy

In 2023, we raised more than $800,000 from generous people like you

Meet Jake! From failed service dog to the face of Puppy Jake.

We take the time to do it right with our innovative training program.
Show your support
Wanna give us a treat?
The Taylor Foundation
A word from our friend Corey Taylor!
We are grateful to Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and The Taylor Foundation for their support and efforts in spreading awareness about our mission.
Dive Deeper
Learn more about us!
Watch our Iowa PBS Express spotlight to learn more about the lives of those we impact, veterans and volunteers alike!
Events
Upcoming events

Ankeny South Sports Clips Focus Week
The Ankeny South Sports Clip is giving back! They are working with three charities, including Puppy Jake. On October 10 & 11, $2 from every MVP will benefit Puppy Jake.

Des Moines South Lions Club Pancake Breakfast
All the pancakes you can eat and support some amazing causes including Puppy Jake! Limited servings of sausage and eggs with coffee, milk and juice. Free will offering. The Des

Des Moines Tweed Ride
Celebrate Cycling and Fashion! The ride/parade starts on Court Ave in front of the Royal Mile. We love this event! Check out the official Des Moines Tweed Ride Facebook page
16
Mar
- Online
21
Mar
- Des Moines
Stories
Stories of healing
Service dogs help veterans live the life they want. Their assistance ranges from physical to mental and beyond. Physically, service dogs can help pick things up off of the floor, help a veteran out of a chair, or even take the laundry out of a dryer. Service dogs also have a wide range of abilities to assist with mental health, from disrupting negative thoughts and nightmares to giving them the confidence to attend their children’s events or even simply to be in public. They’re more than just pets, they’re part of vets’ teams.
We celebrate these successes with our veterans.
Latest News

First e-newsletter published
In case you didn’t see it. Our first newsletter is out! This update includes: recognizing the winners from the 5th Annual Puppy Jake Classic, why

5th Annual Puppy Jake Classic raises almost $50,000
Through the support of more than 80 golfers, 50 volunteers and our generous hole sponsors, the 5th Annual Puppy Jake Classic raised almost $50,000 for raising

Last stop: The Training Trip
Service dog in training, Winston, just completed a weekend training trip to Boston with our Lead Trainer Renee Moore and Assistant Lead Trainer Rhonda Stuhrenberg. It