About Dogs For Life Inc

Service dogs in Vero Beach

Dogs For Life Inc is a Vero Beach nonprofit, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2001 by CEO Shelly Ferger. It trains hearing and service dogs to improve quality of life for veterans and other people in need in Indian River and St. Lucie counties, provides therapy dogs for first responders and school resource programs, and owns an off-leash dog park. It describes itself as an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International.

What the dogs do

Dogs For Life's service dogs provide ears that hear smoke alarms, paws that tap a 911 button, legs that add mobility and pressure to calm anxiety attacks. Programs include hearing and service dogs for veterans, PTSD support group meetings, veterans training that teaches veterans to help train service dog teams, and work under the VA PAWS Act.

The campus

The organization built a 2,400 square foot air-conditioned Training Center on its 4+ acre Off-Leash Dog Park campus at 1230 16th Avenue in Vero Beach, with staff offices, a canine assessment center and rest facilities for park guests. Dog park memberships are available.

What to ask

Call (772) 567-8969 to ask how to apply for a service dog, who qualifies, what the waiting time is, and whether the organization offers training for privately owned dogs.