The opportunity to partner with a trained protection dog is both a tremendous benefit and an important responsibility. At Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, we take great care in ensuring that each survivor and dog are well-suited for success. Our application process is designed to be supportive, transparent, and focused on safety for everyone involved.

​

Our Promise

Whether you’re receiving a trained protection dog or beginning training with your own, Kelly’s K9s is here to guide you through every step. Each pathway is built on our core values of safety, honesty, and empowerment, ensuring survivors and dogs alike are supported, respected, and ready to thrive — together.  

​

K9 Placement Program Applicants

Applicants to the K9 Placement Program are survivors seeking to be matched with a fully trained protection dog.

This is a detailed and personalized process that includes several stages:

 

• Completion of an online application.

• A phone screening to discuss your needs, goals, and readiness.

• An in-person home visit to assess safety, environment, and compatibility.

• A background check to ensure the well-being of both survivor and dog.

 

If accepted, survivors are required to engage in our thoughtfully structured training program at our facility in Randolph, New Jersey. This hands-on training ensures survivors are fully prepared to build a confident, safe, and effective partnership with their protection dog.

​

We ask applicants to carefully review all information regarding our survivor training requirements.

Learn more about training >​

 

Receiving a trained protection dog is a lifelong partnership — one that requires consistency, responsibility, and deep mutual trust.

​

​

​

​​​​

K9 Partner Training Program Applicants

Applicants to the K9 Partner Training Program are survivors who already have a dog and wish to explore whether their companion has the potential for protection work.

This process includes:

 

• Completion of an online application.

• A phone screening to discuss your needs, goals, and readiness, as well as your dog’s temperament and history.

• If you are approved to proceed after the phone screening, an in-person evaluation will be scheduled at Metro K9 Academy with our head trainer, Robert “Bobby” Gierla.

 

If the dog is deemed a good candidate, Kelly’s K9s will fund the initial recommended training, and survivors will begin hands-on sessions with their dog. Ongoing participation, consistency, and communication are essential.

 

Acceptance into this program is a significant commitment. The success of the partnership depends on consistency, structure, and active participation throughout the training journey.

​