Director of Client Services

Nicole Bellanger serves as the Director of Client Services for United States Veterans Service Dogs, bringing over 25 years of customer service experience and a deep passion for supporting the veteran community. In her role, Nicole is the central point of contact for veterans entering the service dog program, guiding them through every phase of the process—from application and assessment to pairing and graduation. Her compassionate approach and detail-oriented mindset ensure that each veteran receives personalized support, while maintaining the organization’s high standards of excellence in service delivery.

Nicole’s leadership is instrumental in the success of the veteran-service dog pairing process. She works closely with trainers, case managers, and veterans to coordinate schedules, provide education on service dog handling, and ensure the right match between veteran and dog. With a clear understanding of the emotional and physical needs of veterans, Nicole takes the time to know each client personally, helping to foster strong, lasting bonds between the dog and handler. Her efforts extend through to the graduation phase, where she manages all logistics and ceremonies that celebrate the completion of training, marking a milestone in each veteran’s journey toward independence and healing.

Her professional background includes over two decades in high-level customer service roles, where she refined her skills in communication, conflict resolution, and client engagement. These abilities are now fully dedicated to the mission of United States Veterans Service Dogs. Nicole is known not only for her operational efficiency but also for her empathy, integrity, and commitment to making each veteran feel seen, heard, and supported. Her steady presence provides both emotional reassurance and practical guidance to veterans and their families as they navigate the life-changing transition to working with a service dog.

Nicole’s contributions are foundational to the organization’s mission and daily operations. She lives in Folsom, Louisiana with her husband and two sons, and their family of four beloved black Labradors. Her dedication to both family and service reflects the values at the heart of United States Veterans Service Dogs: loyalty, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to those who have served our nation.