Big Dog Ranch Rescue opens massive facility to triple veteran service dog program

The new 'Patriot Pet Lodge' will allow the organization to serve more veterans in need of service dogs.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:39am

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Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida has opened a massive new facility called the 'Patriot Pet Lodge' that will allow the organization to triple its veteran service dog program. The new building features 80 rooms that can board 160 dogs and serve both veterans and currently deployed service members, with all services provided completely free of charge.

Why it matters

There is a growing waitlist of veterans in need of service dogs to help with trauma and other challenges. This new facility will allow Big Dog Ranch Rescue to significantly expand its program and provide more veterans with the support they need.

The details

The new 'Patriot Pet Lodge' facility doubles as a hub for the organization's expanding veteran dog training program. Currently, 65 veterans volunteer at the facility daily for one-on-one training sessions before gradually transitioning to larger group situations. The facility also serves a dual purpose for military families, as Big Dog Ranch Rescue will board dogs for deployed service members at no cost during their deployment periods.

  • The new facility was unveiled last week.
  • Big Dog Ranch Rescue plans to double and even triple the number of veterans served in the first year.

The players

Big Dog Ranch Rescue

A nonprofit organization that rescues dogs and trains them as service animals for veterans.

Evan Fried

Director of the veteran dog training program at Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Lauree Simmons

Founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Lori Emery

A Navy veteran who has benefited from the program with her service dog, Sam.

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What they’re saying

“We have a giant waitlist. With this new building, we'll be able to double and even triple our numbers in the first year.”

— Evan Fried, Director of the veteran dog training program

“We'll keep those dogs for them free of charge for nine months, a year, whatever their deployment is, and return that dog to them when they need it most, when they come home.”

— Lauree Simmons, Founder

“We get to save two lives. The lives of the dogs we're rescuing and the life of a veteran who needs that dog.”

— Lauree Simmons, Founder

“Having Sam in our lives allows me to navigate the world with my child. My child absconds, he runs, and so I have Sam next to me. Sam listens to me, and my son is connected by a leash that he holds, and my son stays right with me. So I'm able to navigate stores, parking lots, and now we've done Disney World.”

— Lori Emery, Navy veteran

“The grocery store, for me, is no brainer — but for some of them, because of the past trauma, it's extremely hard. And being able to have that service dog with them really kind of brings them back.”

— Evan Fried, Director of the veteran dog training program

What’s next

Big Dog Ranch Rescue plans to continue expanding its veteran service dog program and serving more veterans in need.

The takeaway

This new facility will allow Big Dog Ranch Rescue to significantly increase the number of veterans they can support through their free service dog program, providing a vital resource for those dealing with trauma and other challenges.