Programs we are part of
Valley Hills puts priority into worthwhile community programs. We partner with several programs to help animals, as well as people in need.
Late co-founder, Jim Gillam, was retired air force and greatly respected programs that gave back to veterans specifically.
Created by a veteran for a veteran. Founder, John Lopez, was a combat engineer and served in Afghanistan in 2006. Our mission is to help veterans suffering the effects of war transition into their civilian lives by providing a service dog trained to mitigate the effects of PTSD. We also train service dogs for veterans with diabetes, epilepsy, and limited mobility.
Dog Rescue -
All dogs picked out by K9s For Camo are rescue dogs, most of which were on a euthanasia list. Our founder and his team pick our very specific energy and temperaments.
Veteran Assistance -
A recent study by Purdue University found that veteran’s with service dogs showed significantly lower levels of depression, PTSD and social isolation as well as higher levels of psychological well-being (O’Haire/Rodriguez 2018) – K9s For Camo’s experience has reflected these findings.
Inmate Rehabilitation -
Our team at Ozarks Correctional Facility are trained by our founder on how to train service dogs properly. This gives them a great sense of purpose while working with our K9s and new life skills when they transition to civilian life
Puppies for Parole operates through our partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. In Puppies for Parole, selected offenders in Missouri prisons have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs. Offenders teach dogs basic obedience skills and socialize them, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program, they are adopted through their original shelters.
The program saves dogs' lives, helping to find forever homes for abandoned and stray dogs. Since the program started in 2010, more than 5,000 dogs have graduated from training and have been adopted. Some of these dogs were specially trained to work with people with disabilities, veterans and Missourians receiving mental health treatment.
Offender dog handlers are enrolled in an apprenticeship program through the U.S. Department of Labor. Through formal training, individualized study and on-the-job training, offenders earn a certificate in animal handling, which is recognized in all 50 states. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation and reentry, ultimately improving public safety. Participants have higher employment rates and lower recidivism rates after release. They also benefit from the opportunity to give back to Missouri communities. The program has a profound effect on inmates and staff, improving safety, security and morale in the facilities.
Puppies for Parole uses no general revenue and operates solely on private donations and donations from offender organizations.
Barn Cat Program
A feral cat or barn cat will keep your barn or stable rodent-free for the price of daily cat food and water, AND you’ll be helping to save a life! We have several beautiful, healthy, fixed and vaccinated feral cats that are looking for outdoor homes with a barn, shed or other shelter. Be prepared for a brief adjustment. Moving to a new home is stressful for anyone, cats included! After a shorty stay in secure confinement, the cats will accept their new home and be doing their rodent patrols with enthusiasm.
A barn cat program can save lives and help a community’s felines and humans co-exist peacefully with each other in a mutually beneficial partnership.
Barn cat programs place fully vetted cats who prefer the company of other animals into a safe, independent living setting such as a barn, outbuilding or even a factory or warehouse.
