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About Us

What we do

We are dedicated to helping veterans reclaim their independence and achieve a new sense of normalcy through expertly trained service dogs.

Reduce PTSD Symptoms

Specially trained dogs offer emotional support and assist with PTSD symptoms, creating a calming presence in high-stress situations.

Improve Mobility and Independence

From retrieving items to assisting with physical tasks, our service dogs are trained to enhance your everyday functionality and mobility.

No Cost to You

Veterans receive these life-changing service dogs free of charge as part of our ongoing commitment to those who served.

Join a Supportive Community

Become a part of a network that understands and supports your unique challenges. USVSD connects veterans with fellow veterans and volunteers for long-lasting camaraderie.

This Is How Our Story Began with Dedication

United States Veterans Service Dogs (USVSD) was founded in 2018 by Cody Bellanger. At the time, Cody was the acting CEO of Southern Diabetic Retrievers (SDR) and saw an avenue for the dogs being career changed from SDR and wanted them to still have a greater purpose. This purpose was found as working mobility and PTSD service dogs.

In May of 2018, Cody was approached by the Dept. of Texas VFW to place VFW members with service dogs to help mitigate the disabilities they face within their everyday lives. From there, USVSD headed in a direction of greater purpose. USVSD started a breeding program and a puppy raising program to ensure the dogs coming into training were given the best possible start for becoming future service dogs. Our program is now training and placing dogs with veterans to help mitigate the effects of PTSD, mobility, and hearing complications from serving our country.

United States Veterans Service Dogs was created for and is dedicated to helping veterans return to a new “Normal” by training and placing quality service dogs with veterans. These specially trained dogs provide support to mitigate the effects of mental and physical disabilities.

As we look back on our journey, we celebrate the passion and hard work that brought us here. From our first project to launching new solutions, we’ve seen incredible growth and established lasting partnerships. We are proud of our history and excited about what the future holds.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Meet Our Executive Leadership

Cody Bellanger

CEO, CFO and COO of USVSD Cody Belanger serves as the Chief Executive Officer of United States Veterans Service Dogs, bringing more than 30…

Nicole Bellanger

Director of Client Services   Nicole Bellanger serves as the Director of Client Services for United States Veterans Service Dogs, bringing over 25 years…

Steven Cook

Vice President, Director of Fund Development   Mr. Steven Cook was born on January 18, 1971, to Hubert and Dorothy Cook. He is not…

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Inge Conley

Board President Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Inge Conley was elected to a four-year term on the VFW’s National Council of…

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Steven Cook

Vice President, Director of Fund Development   Mr. Steven Cook was born on January 18, 1971, to Hubert and Dorothy Cook. He is not…

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Howard L. Schauer

Treasurer Howard L. Schauer hails from Channing Texas. Currently serving as a Department of Navy Civilian atNaval Air Station Corpus Christi with the Public…

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Roy Grona

Secretary   Roy J. Grona, a Gold Legacy Life Member of Golding-Meadows VFW Post 1475, Amarillo, served as the State Adjutant/Quartermaster for 12 years,…

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Heather Joseph

Board Member

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James T Schoen

Board Member James started his banking career in 1984 with Secor Bank, known as Regions Bank today, and continued to work in management positions…

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Todd L Hokanson

Board Member   1SG(R) Todd Hokanson, originally from Coldwater, Kansas, has led a life defined by service to his country, community, and fellow veterans.…

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Brady Rivet

Board Member Brady River, MSN, RNChief Nursing Officer, River Oaks Hospital Brady River, MSN, RN, is the Chief Nursing Officer at River Oaks Hospital,…

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Cody Bellanger

CEO, CFO and COO of USVSD Cody Belanger serves as the Chief Executive Officer of United States Veterans Service Dogs, bringing more than 30…

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Nicole Bellanger

Director of Client Services   Nicole Bellanger serves as the Director of Client Services for United States Veterans Service Dogs, bringing over 25 years…

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Steven Cook

Vice President, Director of Fund Development   Mr. Steven Cook was born on January 18, 1971, to Hubert and Dorothy Cook. He is not…

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