MILITARY WORKING DOG TEAM SUPPORT ASSOCIATION INC
Supporting Both Ends of the Leash Since 2006
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Over the past 15 years we have sought to bring to the attention of the American people the important and dangerous work that Military Working Dog teams perform here and abroad. MWD teams provide "force protection" to our military personnel through explosives detection, tracking, security and drug detection. We now provide support to about 70% of the MWD teams that are deployed overseas in combat areas. Given additional funding we can expand that through additional mailings each quarter as well as provide support to retired MWDs who deserve our thanks, and a peaceful forever family to care for them.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Quarterly Care Packages
Each quarter, we send 200+ care packages to deployed US Military Working Dog teams (handler and dog) world-wide. We seek to support "both ends of the leash" with comfort items for the handlers and treats, toys and equipment for the dogs.
Recognition Events
We support and conduct recognition events for active-duty Military Working Dog teams at home station kennels.
MWD Events/Causes and Memorials
We have provided on-going support for retired Military Working Dogs, Veterans and Memorials honoring War Dogs. On occasion, MWDTSA will also cover the costs related with euthanasia and cremation for retired MWDs.
Educational Events
We participate in many events that support Military Working Dogs by educating the general public about the history and heroism of US Military K-9s and their handlers.
Retired MWDs and Special Requests from Deployed handlers
Responding to requests for help from retired/adopted MWDs and from active duty MWD teams for special equipment such as boots, RexSpecs, harnesses and cooling vests.
Where we work
Awards
Seal 2020
GreatNonProfits.com
External reviews

Photos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of MWD Care Packages Sent
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Quarterly Care Packages
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
MWDTSA sends quarterly care packages to US military K-9 teams that are deployed in combat zones. Each "team" is a handler and a dog; we send packages to all five services.
Military Working Dog Teams Supported
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Retired MWDs and Special Requests from Deployed handlers
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Support to teams through care packages, special equipment requests, kennel visits to deliver supplies, retired MWD health support and recognition/educational events.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
To continue to support America's unsung heroes, the men, women and Military Working Dogs who protect US soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines every day.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Continue to build grass-roots support for MWDs via live events and social media in order to obtain recognition by major donors and organizations, as well as the Military Working Dog community. In addition we have expanded our visibility and reputation within the pet industry to provide needed in-kind donations to continue our mission.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Every additional volunteer brings added value in the form of their personal and business networks and their skills that can help us become more professional.
We enjoy the support of 70 dedicated, non-paid volunteers living in 26states and 4 overseas countries who have enabled us to accomplish our missions. They help solicit donations, pack care packages, visit MWD kennels, conduct educational events, attend memorials, maintain our website and social media presence, write grant requests and design materials to showcase our visibility--all on their own time. Without their efforts, MWDTSA couldn't exist.
Over half (55%) of our volunteers relate to the US military by either personal service, family members, or adoption of a retired military working dog.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Because we are an all-volunteer organization, our growth capacity is limited. We do not wish to utilize professional fund raisers nor hire paid staff. Our goal is to support MWD teams as long as this country needs to deploy them in our country's defense--many organizations have sprung up to support returning veterans, forgetting that we have been at war for 30 years and still have US servicemen and women in combat areas who would appreciate the same degree of respect and support as those who have returned to civilian life.
Since 2006 we have mailed 9149 care packages in support of more than 15,000 deployed MWD teams; those care packages have contained over $1,400,000 in purchased and donated goods for both dogs and handlers and cost $126,000 in postage.
Our reputation within the Military Working Dog community has been recognized by the fact that two of our four regular quarterly care packages were carried out by and with the assistance of active-duty MWD personnel.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We act on the feedback we receive
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
MILITARY WORKING DOG TEAM SUPPORT ASSOCIATION INC
Board of directorsas of 12/16/2022
Mrs. Nikki Rohrig
Nikki Rohrig
Charleston, VW
Jan Slotar
Camarillo, CA
Allison Merrill
Sun Dog Kennel, Traverse City, MI
Leigh Steere
Boulder, CO
Brittany Ursini
New York, NY
Brad Cohick
Manassas, VA
Richard Baumer
West Palm Beach, FL
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No