Aggieland
“Our organization has given me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and give back to those who have served.”
– Emily Self
Every Semester, Over 100 Texas A&M Students Volunteer to Become Patriot PAWS Puppy Raisers!
Our Aggieland program is a crucial part of the training process for our service dogs in training, but Patriot Paws of Aggieland is also a very active student organization on the Texas A&M campus. The organization gives students the chance to become more involved through monthly meetings, fundraisers, social events, and community service opportunities. With almost 200 members we are able to socialize and train more dogs to keep up with the growing demand for a quality service dog for our Veterans.
Become an A&M Puppy Raiser!
Each semester our Aggieland team holds a series of training classes on campus to serve current and future puppy raisers. These classes teach the ins and outs of puppy raising and give eager new members a chance to learn how to handle our service dogs in training before volunteering to become a puppy raiser themselves. Puppy raising is a big commitment with an even more rewarding outcome!
Our puppy raisers not only learn time management, communication, and responsibility through mentoring each other in this process, but they are also able to see how greatly our dogs can impact a Veteran’s life. It is certain that they will tell you that’s the greatest reward of all.
Meet our Patriot PAWS of Aggieland Training Team
Cindy Sutton
Training Director
Kristina Longoria
Trainer / Puppy Raiser Coordinator
Meet our Patriot PAWS of Aggieland Current Officer Team
Deanna Hafley ’25
President
Taylor Tomlinson ’25
Vice President/Treasurer
Bella Bader-Porterfield ‘26
Corps Liaison
Ella Evan ‘25
Social Coordinator
Maddi Summer ’25
PR Coordinator
Emily Sharp ’25
Patriot Paws of Aggieland Fundraising Coordinator
Camryn Jones ‘27
Patriot Paws of Aggieland Social Media Coordinator
Can I raise a dog if I live on campus?
- Yes! We have a great relationship with our campus housing department. The Texas A&M Residence Life has supported our mission and allowed us to have students house dogs in campus dorms as long as we fill out the necessary paperwork.
Can I be a puppy raiser if I am in the Corps of Cadets?
- Yes! We have a great relationship with our campus housing department. The Texas A&M Residence Life has supported our mission and allowed us to have students house dogs in campus dorms as long as we fill out the necessary paperwork.
How many dogs can I raise during my time at A&M?
- There is no limit to the amount of dogs you may raise during your time in our organization. Puppy raising is a volunteer position that allows you to decide how involved you would like to be, whether that is raising a few dogs and then taking a break to focus on your studies or continuing to puppy raise through your last year at the university! We do move dogs each semester so depending on how long you decide to raise, you are bound to have had a hand in the training of more than one dog.Â
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When can I start puppy raising?
- After a semester’s worth of training and completing the necessary requirements to become approved to handler, you are welcome to volunteer as a puppy raiser. How many dogs and how fast we can place dogs with puppy raisers depends on how many dogs in the program are at a stage in their training where they are ready to be in the home of a puppy raiser. This time can vary.
How much does it cost to be a puppy raiser?
- Patriot PAWS provides the majority of needs for our dogs and there is no set fee to be involved. You will be provided with dog food, a kennel, training supplies and any grooming/ medical care the dog may need. What we ask our raisers to keep in mind is that they will have to purchase a water bowl and toys plus any miscellaneous items they may want, but aren’t necessary, such as a dog bed or blankets.
What types/ages of dogs does Patriot PAWS work with?
- Patriot Paws trains labradors, as the majority, and a few other breeds such as golden retrievers, poodles, and crosses of these breeds. Dogs that arrive in Aggieland range from 3 months to 3 years old.
I want to be involved, but I don’t think I can commit to full time puppy raising. Is there any other way I can be a part of this organization?
- We welcome anyone who wants to be a part of our organization. You can be a general member, a puppy sitter, or even have a partner and participate as a part time puppy raiser.
I want to be involved, but I don't think I can commit to full time puppy raising. Is there any other way I can be a part of this organization?
- We welcome anyone who wants to be a part of our organization. You can be a general member, a puppy sitter, or even have a partner and participate as a part time puppy raiser.