Dogs on Deployment: Comprehensive Company Profile
Background
Overview
Dogs on Deployment (DoD) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military members and first responders by ensuring they have access to reliable pet care during their service commitments. Founded in 2011 by Alisa and Shawn Johnson, both active-duty military officers, the organization provides a network connecting service members with volunteers willing to board their pets during deployments, training, relocations, or other service-related absences.
Mission and Vision
The mission of Dogs on Deployment is to give America's heroes peace of mind concerning their pets during their service commitments by providing them with the ability to find people and resources able to help them. The vision is to ensure that no military member or first responder has to surrender their beloved pet due to service obligations.
Primary Area of Focus
DoD focuses on providing a foster network and financial assistance to active-duty military members, reservists, National Guard members, Coast Guard personnel, veterans, and first responders. The organization promotes responsible, lifelong pet ownership by offering resources, advocacy, and education tailored to the unique challenges faced by military pet owners.
Industry Significance
As a pioneer in addressing the pet care needs of military personnel, Dogs on Deployment has become a vital resource, alleviating the stress and worry placed on military pet owners when their pet ownership is uncertain due to service commitments. The organization has saved over 3,000 pets from unnecessary relinquishment and has facilitated nearly 44,000 lifetime boarders.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Pet Care Support: Connect military members and first responders with volunteers willing to board their pets during service commitments.
- Financial Assistance: Provide financial grants through the Financial Assistance Program to support emergency pet care for military families.
- Advocacy and Education: Promote responsible pet ownership and advocate for increased pet owner rights on military installations.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Hero Pet Boarding Network: A nationwide network that offers free temporary pet foster care to military members and first responders.
- Rich Setzer Memorial Fund: Provides financial assistance for veterinary care through the Veterinary Assistance Program.
- Operation Pet Wellness Program: Offers preventative veterinary care to military families to ensure the health and well-being of their pets.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Online Platform: A user-friendly website that facilitates the matching process between pet owners and volunteers.
- Social Media Engagement: Utilization of platforms like Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness, share success stories, and engage with the community.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
- Military Personnel: Active-duty members, reservists, and National Guard members requiring temporary pet care during deployments or training.
- Veterans: Honorably discharged veterans needing assistance with pet care during medical treatments or relocations.
- First Responders: Firefighters, police officers, EMS, border patrol, FBI agents, and healthcare professionals in emergency response roles.
Financials and Funding
Total Funds Raised
As a nonprofit organization, Dogs on Deployment relies on donations, grants, and fundraising events to support its operations and programs. Specific financial details, including total funds raised, are not publicly disclosed.
Recent Funding Rounds
Detailed information about recent funding rounds is not publicly available.
Notable Investors
As a nonprofit, Dogs on Deployment does not have investors but is supported by individual donors, corporate partners, and grants.
Intended Utilization of Capital
Funds are utilized to maintain and expand the Hero Pet Boarding Network, provide financial assistance through the Rich Setzer Memorial Fund, support the Operation Pet Wellness Program, and cover operational expenses to ensure the organization's sustainability and growth.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
Dogs on Deployment continually seeks to expand its network of volunteers and partners to enhance its services. While specific pipeline candidates are not publicly detailed, the organization focuses on:
- Volunteer Recruitment: Engaging more individuals and families to become boarders for military pets.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with other nonprofits, corporations, and community organizations to broaden support and resources.
Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development
As a nonprofit organization, Dogs on Deployment does not engage in clinical trials or product development.
Target Conditions
The organization addresses the challenges faced by military members and first responders in securing reliable and compassionate care for their pets during service commitments.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
Specific timelines for organizational milestones are not publicly disclosed.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
- Online Matching System: A proprietary system that matches military pet owners with suitable volunteers based on location, availability, and pet care requirements.
Significant Scientific Methods
- Data Analytics: Utilization of data to track program effectiveness, volunteer engagement, and areas for improvement.
AI-Driven Capabilities
- Automated Matching Algorithms: Employing algorithms to efficiently pair pet owners with volunteers, streamlining the process and enhancing user experience.
Leadership Team
Alisa Sieber-Johnson
- Position: CEO, President & Co-Founder
- Professional Background: Graduate of the University of San Diego with degrees in Industrial Systems Engineering; served as a C-130J Super Hercules pilot and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator in the U.S. Marine Corps.
- Key Contributions: Founded Dogs on Deployment in 2011, leading the organization to national prominence and advocating for military pet owner rights.
Shawn Johnson
- Position: CFO, Vice President & Co-Founder
- Professional Background: