Since 2005, k9 connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has worked with over 1,127 underserved youth, offered ongoing support for its program graduates, and helped more than 699 homeless dogs find permanent homes.
Our after-school students have been labeled in the district as at-risk, but we regard them as students with untapped potential. The program is designed to support and motivate the youth, many of whom have experienced academic/classroom difficulties, exhibit severe emotional or behavior struggles that can lead to expulsion or incarceration, and some are homeless/foster youth.
k9 connection's innovative methodology is based on national studies of successful animal-assisted interventions with challenged youth, building on the powerful bond between animals and people. The curriculum carefully integrates experiential learning with practical instruction. The student/dog relationship provides the basis for success for the team goals; students graduate from high school and the shelter dogs are adopted into permanent homes.
Through our free, after-school programs, we serve continuation high school students in Culver City CCUSD), Los Angeles and Hollywood (LAUSD) and Santa Monica (SMMUSD), ranging in age from 16 – 18 years.
The other organizations we partner with are Los Angeles Animals Services (LAAS), Adopt & Shop/Michelson Found Animals Foundation (Culver City) and NKLA/Best Friends.
As we search for other ways in which k9 connection can increase the number of people and dogs it benefits, as well as broaden the scope of its services, in May 2018, we launched Pets' Landing, a series of free pet clinics on Los Angeles' Westside and in its Downtown area.
With community support, these clinics allow our parent organization, The People Concern, to provide its own homeless participants, as well as others still struggling with homelessness, with free care for their pets. This service helps to keep both humans and pets healthy, happy and safe.
Please visit our website at:
k9connection.org Questions? Email
info@k9connection.org