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.
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