Shelter to Soldier Psychiatric Service Dogs in San Diego

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Shelter to Soldier San Diego is a local nonprofit that saves dogs from shelters and trains them to help veterans. Each service dog gives new hope and comfort to a veteran living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other challenges caused by military service.

Saving Two Lives at Once

Every day, about 20 veterans and 1 active-duty service member die by suicide. Many suffer from PTSD and other invisible wounds that make life after service difficult. At the same time, millions of dogs enter shelters across the country. Many never find homes.

Shelter to Soldier San Diego brings these two groups together. A rescued dog is given a second chance — and a veteran gets a loyal friend who offers emotional support and safety.

How Shelter to Soldier Helps

  • Dogs are adopted from local San Diego shelters.
  • Each dog is trained by professional trainers to become a psychiatric service dog.
  • After training, the dog is matched with a veteran who needs support.
  • The service dog helps reduce anxiety, build confidence, and improve daily life.

Our team’s training experts know how to correct behavior problems such as barking, house manners, or separation anxiety. These once-overlooked dogs become well-trained, dependable partners.

Changing Lives in San Diego

Shelter to Soldier Psychiatric Service Dogs in San Diego gives back to those who served our country. Each sponsored service dog brings peace of mind and a sense of purpose to a veteran. Together, they form a bond that saves lives — both human and canine.

Get Involved

You can help Shelter to Soldier San Diego by donating, sponsoring a dog, or sharing our story. Your support allows us to continue rescuing dogs and helping local veterans find healing and hope.

Learn more at www.sheltertosoldier.org

FAQs:

What is Shelter to Soldier San Diego?

It’s a nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be service dogs for veterans in the San Diego area.

Who can apply for a service dog?

Post-9/11 combat veterans with PTSD, TBI, or related challenges can apply for a service dog through the program.

Where is Shelter to Soldier located?

Shelter to Soldier is based in San Diego, California, and serves veterans across the region.

How can I support Shelter to Soldier San Diego?

You can donate, volunteer, or spread the word to help save the lives of dogs and veterans.

Esteban Villanueva
Esteban Villanueva
Esteban Villanueva was born in Washington D.C. and raised in La Jolla. He attended both Francis Parker and The Bishop’s School locally before going to Dartmouth College where he received his B.S. in Biology and Pepperdine School of Law where he received his J.D. focusing Entertainment Law. He worked in the Latin music industry where his projects went on to win 14 Grammy Awards for artists including Ricky Martin and Carlos Santana. After starting GB Magazine with Danitza Villanueva in 2007, he has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for his support of helping raise millions of dollars for non-profit organizations. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Air & Space Museum and resides in East County in San Diego where he and his wife Danitza run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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