K9YA FAQ
What is K9 Youth Alliance?
K9 Youth Alliance is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Our programs are based in the greater Los Angeles area. We partner with youth service providers and animal shelters to bring homeless dogs and young people together for immersive programs of learning, enrichment, and empowerment.
For information about volunteer opportunities, or about getting your child involved, please contact us!
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How did K9 Youth Alliance get started?
Co-founders Karen Rosen and Kelly Osburn met while participating in a similar program, k9 connection, on LA’s west side. Inspired by their experiences and impressed with the transformative power of the program, they enlisted the help of k9 connection’s founders Katherine Beattie and Pat Sinclair to bring a similar program to LA’s east side.
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What happens in program?
Our youth programs typically run for two hours a day, M-F, for three weeks at a time. Students work one on one with their dog-partner, teaching them basic behaviors, tricks, and agility. Students also participate in group activities centered on humane education, animal safety, animal advocacy, and personal development. Each is partnered with an adult mentor to guide them in building meaningful bonds with the dogs and with each other.
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In our adult programs, volunteers from the community gain knowledge and skills in dog behavior and training while establishing meaningful relationships with shelter dogs. They are supported throughout the program by professional behaviorists and trainers, much like in the youth program.
Our virtual programs can be customized as needed to include our full three-week curriculum or select one-day modules. During these, students receive a custom K9YA dog training kit with tools, tips, and a realistic stuffed dog. After learning from a professional dog trainer, our students then work virtually with foster dogs and their guardians to teach these basic obedience and agility training.
All programs end with a graduation ceremony where students give a presentation about their experiences and showcase what they and their dog have learned. Some of the dogs go straight home to a new family from graduation!
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How many programs do you have in a year?
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We offer a minimum of four programs each year. As a grassroots organization, we are gradually expanding the number of programs we hold. Our goal is to maintain high-quality, high-impact programming as we grow our capacity to serve.
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What is your dog-training philosophy?
Our dog training instructors use only positive, rewards-based dog training methodologies. Our emphasis is on the process—a two-way communication between student and dog where empathy, problem-solving, and patience are key. Success hinges on building trust and clear communication.
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Do students adopt the dogs they work with?
On rare but very happy occasions, yes! However, often no. Many of our students and volunteers live in situations where they are unable to have pets. The dogs remain in the shelter and adoptable during our program. In fact, many students will work with more than one dog after their original dog-partner is adopted or rescued—we see this as a special opportunity for students to strengthen their advocacy, helping additional dogs live happier lives while they wait for their forever homes.
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Who runs the program and do you need volunteers?
Our program staff includes: a program director, a dog training instructor, an educational facilitator, dog handling/transportation assistants, and LOTS of volunteer mentors. Mentors work one-on-one with student-dog teams, encouraging them in their process of self-discovery. Mentors are a vital part of the program and make a significant impact on the students and the dogs they work with. If you are interested in learning more and joining our team, please complete our volunteer application here!
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How do you know you are making a difference?
While quantitative research on human-animal activities is still in its early stages, there is evidence to show high-quality interventions like K9 Youth Alliance do make a difference. In 2013, researcher Jessica Thomas at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology studied data collected from k9 connection’s programs over the course of a year. Thomas found that participation in the program resulted in increased empathy, self-awareness, and emotional IQ, as well as decreased antisocial and self-serving perceptions.
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K9 Youth Alliance collects anonymous surveys from students at the end of each program to gauge its impact and continue to refine the program. In the words of one K9 Youth Alliance graduate, “Thank you for accepting me! I love all of you guys like a family. Can't wait to come back next year as an intern.”
Dogs who have not been adopted are eligible for future programs, and we continue to advocate for their adoption. Shelter staff and volunteers tell us that telling potential adopters that a dog has worked with a young person, and in a group of other dogs, goes a long way in finding them a family.
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To learn more about our Program and browse our Annual Report, click here. And check back for more information on our research in progress.
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Who runs the organization and how are you funded?
K9 Youth Alliance is governed by a diverse, all-volunteer, working board of dedicated, talented individuals. Our board members make an annual financial commitment to the organization and are responsible for fundraising and fiscal stewardship. As a public charity, K9 Youth Alliance accepts individual donations, holds several fundraising events per year, actively promotes corporate sponsorship opportunities, and has begun to seek additional funding through foundation grants.
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