Shelter to Soldier

Shelter to Soldier Shelter to Soldier adopts dogs from local rescues and shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans with PTSD, TBI & MST.

Shelter to Soldier is a CA 501c3 nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or other psychological injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.

08/24/2026

One of our newest recruits, Cody, showing us he’s got all the confidence and focus to be on this journey - becoming the best psychiatric service dog he can be one day for a veteran who needs him. We adopted this special kiddo from our pals at Labs And More Rescue who provided him his first step in finding his forever home and life of purpose. 🇺🇸🐾

Together, we made history. ✨Hundreds gathered.130 new donors joined our community.Countless paddles went up.And together...
08/22/2026

Together, we made history. ✨

Hundreds gathered.
130 new donors joined our community.
Countless paddles went up.
And together, we raised a record-breaking $448,000 in net proceeds to fuel the work ahead.

Our 14th Annual Be the Light Gala was our most successful fundraising event to date, generating critical funding to fuel Shelter to Soldier’s programs and help us continue saying yes to rescue dogs, veterans, and military families who need us.

It’s rescue dogs receiving a second chance. It’s veterans living with the invisible wounds of service finding hope, connection and a teammate by their side. It’s training, care, resources and support.

Last Friday, we welcomed veteran alumni, donors, sponsors, community partners, board members, friends and some very special four-legged members of the Shelter to Soldier family aboard the iconic USS Midway for our 14th Annual Be the Light Gala.

And what a night it was. 🇺🇸🐾💫

We watched the sun set over San Diego Bay. We celebrated our veterans and military community. We shared stories that reminded us why this work matters.

Every person who walked onto that flight deck played a part.

Every auction item donated. Every bid placed. Every paddle raised. Every sponsorship. Every introduction. Every conversation that helped someone new understand the realities of veterans’ mental health and the power of giving a rescue dog purpose.

It all mattered.

To our veteran alumni who so generously allow us to share in your journeys: you are the reason we continue answering this call.

To our sponsors, donors, team, volunteers, community partners and friends: thank you for believing that second chances matter and for standing alongside us in this work - Saving Lives, Two at a Time. ❤️🤍💙

The best kind of gala prep. 🐾🇺🇸Today, some of our veteran attendees and service dogs in training headed aboard the USS M...
08/12/2026

The best kind of gala prep. 🐾🇺🇸

Today, some of our veteran attendees and service dogs in training headed aboard the USS Midway for a special walkthrough ahead of Friday’s 14th Annual Be the Light Gala.

For our dogs, experiences like this are so much more than a field trip. New surfaces, sounds, crowds, elevators, tight spaces and unfamiliar environments all provide valuable opportunities to practice the skills, confidence and handler focus they’ll need as future service dogs.

And seeing some of the veterans and dogs who are at the very heart of our mission together aboard the Midway made us even more excited for what’s ahead.

In just three days, this incredible ship will welcome hundreds of people who believe in giving rescue dogs a second chance and supporting veterans on their journey toward greater independence.

Friday, we will Be the Light. ✨

We can’t wait.

Gala week is officially here. ✨This Friday, hundreds of friends, veterans, community leaders and supporters will gather ...
08/11/2026

Gala week is officially here. ✨

This Friday, hundreds of friends, veterans, community leaders and supporters will gather aboard the USS Midway Museum Flight Deck for our 14th Annual Be the Light Gala.

It’s a beautiful night - but more importantly, it’s the night that helps fuel our mission all year long.

Every bid. Every paddle raised. Every generous heart in attendance helps us rescue dogs in need and provide life-changing service dogs to veterans at no cost to those we serve.

This year, we’re reaching higher than ever with a goal of $350,000.

We cannot wait to show you what your support makes possible. 🐾🇺🇸

Let’s Be the Light.

08/03/2026

This morning, we had the privilege of joining K**I News to share Shelter to Soldier’s 14th Annual Be the Light Gala - our largest fundraiser of the year and the event that fuels our mission of rescuing shelter dogs and training them to become life-changing psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans.

Every rescue. Every training session. Every veteran-service dog partnership. It all begins with a community that believes in second chances.

A heartfelt thank you to the K**I team for helping us shine a light on the lives being transformed through these extraordinary partnerships. We are so grateful for your support in helping us share our mission with the San Diego community.

✨ With just 8 seats remaining, now is the time to join us for an unforgettable evening aboard the historic USS Midway Museum Flight Deck on Friday, August 14.

Together, we’ll celebrate inspiring stories of resilience, honor our nation’s heroes, and raise critical funds to help more veterans and rescue dogs find hope, healing, and purpose.

🎟️ Reserve one of the final seats today: bit.ly/STSGala14

Together, we’re Saving Lives, Two at a Time. 🇺🇸🐾

🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL—VOTING IS LIVE! 🚨Go cast your vote for Shelter to Soldier right now, then come back and vote every day t...
07/29/2026

🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL—VOTING IS LIVE! 🚨

Go cast your vote for Shelter to Soldier right now, then come back and vote every day through August 14! We know what this community is capable of, and with your support, we can earn this incredible opportunity for the veterans and rescue dogs we serve.

🐾 Vote today.
🐾 Vote every day through 8/14.
🐾 Share this post and help us reach even more supporters.

Every vote is a vote for a veteran finding hope, healing, and renewed independence through the life-changing partnership of a psychiatric service dog. It’s also a vote for a deserving shelter dog getting the second chance they deserve—transforming two lives through one extraordinary bond.

This mission has always been powered by people like you. If you’ve ever cheered on one of our teams, donated, volunteered, or shared our story, this is another powerful way to make a difference.

Let’s show everyone what the Shelter to Soldier community can do. Together, we can make every single vote count.

Thank you for standing with us and believing in our mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.

🔗 Vote now through the link in our bio, and don’t forget to come back tomorrow to vote again! Voting closes on August 14.

JOIN US in just under three weeks at our 14th Annual Be the Light Gala - which raises critical funds for the rescue dogs...
07/29/2026

JOIN US in just under three weeks at our 14th Annual Be the Light Gala - which raises critical funds for the rescue dogs, veterans and active-duty military we serve. Thank you to our friends at Ranch & Coast Magazine for sharing!

07/29/2026

🚨 BIG NEWS! We Need Your Help! 🚨

We’re incredibly honored to share that Shelter to Soldier has been selected as one of only 30 nonprofit finalists across North America in the 2026 Service Awards presented by ! 🐾🇺🇸

This is an extraordinary opportunity to win a customized Defender 130 and $30,000 to help us rescue more shelter dogs, expand our training program, and serve even more veterans and active-duty service members through the healing power of dogs. 🐕❤️

Here’s where YOU come in!

🗳️ Public voting opens TOMORROW (July 29) and runs through August 14—and you can vote EVERY SINGLE DAY!

It takes less than a minute, but your daily vote could make a life-changing difference for the veterans and rescue dogs we serve.

🚙 A Defender 130 would help us safely transport more dogs, support training across all of our programs, and expand our reach to military communities in need. Combined with the $30,000 award, this opportunity would have a lasting impact on our mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.

✅ Starting tomorrow:
🐾 Vote - http://www.landroverusa.com/defenderserviceawards
🐾 Share this post
🐾 Tag your family and friends
🐾 Set a daily reminder and vote again!

Every vote matters. Every share matters. Together, let’s show the country what the Shelter to Soldier community can do.

📅 Voting: July 29 – August 14

Let’s bring this Defender home! ❤️🤍💙

🎥 .fejarang

💫✨ From Universal Orlando Resort to the magic of Disney Parks, Charlie is right where he’s meant to be - by USAF Veteran...
07/24/2026

💫✨ From Universal Orlando Resort to the magic of Disney Parks, Charlie is right where he’s meant to be - by USAF Veteran She-Ron’s side through every adventure.

These moments are about so much more than a family vacation. They’re a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when a rescued shelter dog is given a purpose and partnered with a veteran. Together, Charlie and She-Ron are creating memories, exploring new places, and embracing life’s adventures with confidence, independence, and the unwavering support that only a service dog can provide.

Watching our teams thrive long after graduation is one of the greatest joys of our mission. Seeing Charlie supporting She-Ron and her family as they experience these unforgettable destinations reminds us why we do what we do.

We know this is only the beginning of a lifetime of adventures, milestones, and memories together—and we couldn’t be more excited to watch their journey unfold.

A special thank you to Universal Orlando Resort and Disney Parks for creating inclusive places where veterans, service dogs, and families can experience unforgettable moments together. Here’s to many more magical adventures ahead. 💙🐾

Address

2366 Front Street
San Diego, CA
92103

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17608705338

Website

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