Free Service Dog Training for Veterans and First Responders in Southern California
Our team
Meet the trainers.
VFR is led by trainers who understand the mission. Every class is run with the discipline of a unit and the warmth of a family.
Founder
Jenny Shrout,
I founded VFR Veterans & First Responders LLC from a deeply personal understanding of injury, recovery, and service. After retiring from the Los Angeles County Department due to a severe spinal injury, I later faced a life-threatening illness that caused temporary paralysis. Those experiences, combined with my love for dogs and desire to continue serving others, inspired me to create VFR to support Veterans and first responders in need. Today, VFR provides service dog training free of charge for Veterans and first responders without taking a profit. Our mission is to restore confidence, independence, and hope through specialized training. VFR is built on heart, integrity, and lived understanding, and everyone who joins becomes part of a greater family.
Trainer
James Silva
James Silva is the Lead Dog Trainer for VFR Veterans & First Responders. A retired Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, James honorably served 21 years in the military before dedicating himself to dog training. With more than six years of experience training dogs and working with handlers, James is known for his patience, professionalism, and ability to build strong, successful service dog teams. His expertise includes obedience training, public access skills, behavior modification, and service dog task development. As a veteran, James understands the unique challenges faced by Veterans and First Responders and is passionate about helping them achieve greater independence and confidence through the partnership of a well-trained service dog. His calm leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication to helping others make him an invaluable member of the VFR team. “Building confident handlers, reliable service dogs, and stronger futures one team at a time.”
Trainer
Katie
Katie joined the team in January 2023, bringing with her a passion for animals and a strong desire to learn. Since then, she has excelled in her roles as both an assistant trainer and an independent instructor. She works closely with our students, tailoring her lesson plans to meet their individual needs. Her empathy, patience, and dedication to helping others make her a valuable addition to our team.
Our Story
My name is Jenny Shrout Founder of VFR Veterans & First Responders LLC. A severe spinal injury changed the course of my life, and years later, a life-threatening illness left me temporarily paralyzed. Those experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges that often accompany disability, recovery, and rebuilding a life. Throughout my life, dogs have always held a special place in my heart. As I learned more about the incredible impact service dogs have on individuals living with disabilities, I found a new purpose. Combining my love for dogs with my desire to help others, I founded VFR Veterans & First Responders LLC. Before starting VFR, I served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, where I witnessed the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to serving others. That experience, combined with my personal journey, inspired the mission that drives VFR today. Today, VFR provides service dog training and support to Veterans and First Responders in need at no cost. What began as a personal journey has grown into a community serving over 400 Veterans and First Responders. We provide obedience training, PTSD alert training, task training, public access training, and ongoing support to help service dog teams succeed.
Our work is only possible through donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, and community support. I do not take a profit from VFR. Every dollar generated through training, fundraising, grants, sponsorships, and donations is reinvested directly into service dog training, equipment, resources, and program operations. At VFR, we believe no Veteran or First Responder should face life's challenges alone. Through the partnership of a highly trained service dog and a supportive community, we help create greater independence, healing, and hope. Helping one person may not change the world, but it can change the world for one person. Thank you to our donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Together, we are changing livesone team at a time.
Sincerely Jenny