k9 connection offers free services benefitting teens, shelter dogs, and pets & people experiencing homelessness through its two projects – k9 Academy and Pets’ Landing. The k9 Academy Project is comprised of in-school programs (founded in 2005) and k9 Online virtual courses (new in 2020). Through year-round programs in continuation high schools, k9 Academy empowers students by engaging them in three-week sessions where they train homeless dogs in basic obedience and gain life skills in the classroom. In the process, they learn to apply the lessons they teach the dogs to their own lives while experiencing trust, teamwork, responsibility, patience, empathy, unconditional love and success. k9 Online offers the same curriculum and pairs new students with k9 Interns as their mentors. Together they engage in virtual adoptions and visits to a local shelter. The Pets’ Landing Project serves pets of people experiencing homelessness through free pet care clinics throughout the year on the Westside and in Skid Row. These include: physical exams, vaccinations, parasite control, spay/neuter vouchers and grooming at our Skid Row events. Also offered are: emergency mobile pet doctor visits; help with serious medical procedures and medications as needed; distribution of pet food, flea medication, leashes, collars, toys, blankets, bowls and other supplies; virtual dog training; assistance with pet adoptions; and “Life on Paws,” where residents at The People Concern congregate living sites can enjoy visits with registered therapy dogs.
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