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Valiant Heart Companions
Training service dogs for survivors
501(c)(3) Nonprofit · EIN 82-4410052 · Tax-Deductible Donations

Healing Begins with a Heartbeat

We train specialized service dogs for survivors of sexual assault — helping them reclaim independence, safety, and peace of mind.

Support a survivor today

Every gift trains the next life-changing companion.

  • 501(c)(3) Verified Nonprofit
  • EIN: 82-4410052
  • Tax-Deductible Donations
  • Dogs Provided Free to Survivors
  • 18 States Served

The Change We're Making

Every number below represents a survivor whose life has been transformed.

75+
Service dogs placed
with survivors across 18 states
92%
Report improved QoL
within the first year of placement
18
States reached
and growing every year
3,500+
Training hours
invested in every single dog
Survivor Story

From Isolation to Independence

"After my assault, I couldn't leave my apartment alone. The anxiety and hypervigilance were overwhelming. Since receiving Bella, everything has changed. She's not just a service dog — she's my lifeline to independence."

Jamie is one of over 75 survivors whose lives have been transformed through our program. Each service dog is individually trained to address their handler's specific trauma responses — from nightmare interruption to crowd navigation to deep pressure therapy during panic attacks.

How Our Dogs Help

Each dog is trained to address the specific trauma responses of their partner.

Trauma Interruption

Dogs are trained to interrupt nightmares, panic attacks, and flashback spirals — providing grounding physical contact and presence in the critical early moments.

Personal Space & Safety

Creating buffer space in crowds, performing room-clearing checks, and alerting to approaching people from behind — restoring the sense of safety that trauma steals.

Long-Term Partnership

Our relationship doesn't end at placement. We provide ongoing support, refresher training, and a community of fellow recipients for the lifetime of the partnership.

From Our Recipients

The impact of a service dog is best told in their own words.

The nightmares were the worst part for me. I was afraid to sleep. My service dog, Max, is trained to wake me during nightmares and provide deep pressure therapy. For the first time in years, I'm getting restful sleep.

S
Sam
Partnered with Max since 2022

Having Luna alert me when someone approaches from behind has eliminated countless panic attacks. It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced trauma how valuable this simple task is. I finally feel safe again.

T
Taylor
Partnered with Luna since 2024

With Cooper by my side, I completed my degree and now work as an advocate for other survivors. He didn't just help me heal — he helped me become who I was always meant to be.

S
Sarah
Partnered with Cooper since 2021

From the Blog

Research, resources, and stories from our community.

All Articles →

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Whether you're a survivor seeking a service dog, someone who wants to help, or a donor looking to make a real difference — we'd love to connect.

♥ Donate Now