Patriot PAWS of Aggieland
Every semester, over 100 Texas A&M students volunteer to become Patriot PAWS Puppy Raisers!
Student Volunteers
Patriot PAWS of Aggieland:
a commitment to service and community.
At Patriot PAWS of Aggieland, the power of community and service comes to life every semester through the dedication of over 100 Texas A&M students. This passionate group of Puppy Raisers plays an essential role in the training process of our Service Dogs, helping to prepare them for their ultimate mission: changing the lives of American Veterans. As an integral part of the Patriot PAWS family, the Aggieland program not only trains future Service Dogs, but also empowers students with invaluable life skills and a deep connection to the mission of supporting our Nation’s Heroes.
A Student Organization with Purpose
Patriot PAWS of Aggieland is more than just a puppy-raising program—it's a vibrant student organization that brings together students with a shared commitment to service. With roughly 100 members each semester, the organization thrives on collaboration. Each month, they hold meetings, fundraisers, social events, and community service projects that extend beyond puppy raising. By working together, these students can train more dogs, help meet the growing demand for Service Dogs, and create a powerful sense of community among Texas A&M students who are passionate about making a difference.
Become an A&M Puppy Raiser!
Becoming a Patriot PAWS Puppy Raiser at Texas A&M is a rewarding, hands-on experience that teaches students valuable skills like time management, communication, and responsibility. Each semester, the Aggieland team offers a series of training classes where new and returning Puppy Raisers learn the ins-and-outs of socializing and training a Service Dog in preparation for their future role with a Veteran. The commitment is significant, but the impact is profound.
Puppy Raisers not only gain experience in dog training, but they also witness firsthand how the work they do can directly change a Veteran’s life. For many, the most rewarding aspect is knowing that their dedication and care will help a dog become a lifelong companion to someone who needs them most. There is no greater reward than watching a dog thrive and knowing you helped make that happen.
A Student Organization that Transforms Lives
Join the Patriot PAWS of Aggieland Mission
Meet the Aggieland Training Team
Cindy Sutton
Training Director
Kristina Longoria
Trainer/Puppy Raiser Coordinator
Deanna Hafley
Texas A&M Trainer
Aggieland Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We have a great relationship with the campus housing department. The Texas A&M Department of Residence Life supports our mission and has allowed students to keep our dogs in campus dorms as long as we fill out the necessary paperwork.
There's no limit! Puppy raising is a volunteer position that gives you the freedom to decide how involved you'd like to be, whether you'd prefer to raise a few dogs and take a break to focus on your studies, or continue puppy raising until graduation. We move dogs around our different branch programs each semester, so you're bound to help train more than one, depending on how long you decide to raise.
After a semester of training and completing the necessary requirements, you're welcome to volunteer as a Puppy Raiser. However, depending on how many available dogs in our program are ready to be matched with a Puppy Raiser, the amount of time you'll need to wait before you can train one may vary.
There is no preset fee to volunteer—Patriot PAWS provides the majority of needs for our dogs. You will be given dog food, a kennel, training supplies, and any grooming or medical care your pup may need. Please keep in mind that you'll need to purchase a water bowl and toys, plus any other desired items like dog beds or blankets.
We train mainly Labrador Retrievers along with 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.
We welcome anyone who wants to be a part of our program. You can be a general member, a Puppy Raiser, or even have a partner and participate as a part-time Puppy Raiser.