DAV Chapter #63 hosts new veteran canine start-up

Veteran Companion Animal Services (VCAS) introduced a new Clermont County chapter at a January 2026 DAV Chapter #63 meeting and described free companion dog placements plus training and community programs for veterans.

Veteran Companion Animal Services (VCAS) spoke at the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #63 January 2026 meeting about opening a new Clermont County chapter. VCAS President Joshua Doran outlined the group's mission to enrich veterans' lives and rescue dogs through the human-animal bond. The organization said companion dog placements are provided free to veterans and include one year of food and other services. VCAS described several training and community programs that will be part of the local offering. Key points: - VCAS is headquartered in Delaware, Ohio, and uses the motto "We rescue dogs to rescue veterans." - The organization runs four programs: Rescue Dog Placements; Frontline Dog Training (seven weeks); Alumni Programming; and an Ambassador Program for Therapy Dog Certification. - Placement of companion dogs is provided free to veterans and includes one year of food plus additional services at no cost to the veteran. - DAV Chapter #63 Commander James Stanzak noted that companion dogs differ from service dogs and that placements can be one or two months. - VCAS was founded in 2013 and reports it has served more than 280 veterans and rescue dogs in Central Ohio. - The new Clermont County chapter will be led locally by Guy Vollrath and Vickie Lassandro, and VCAS aims to place eight rescue dogs with veterans within a year of opening the office. Summary: VCAS's expansion to Clermont County brings established programs to pair rescued dogs with veterans and to offer training and community activities. The group reports serving over 280 veterans since 2013 and sets a goal to place eight rescue dogs within the first year of the new chapter. Local leadership has been named and the organization provided contact information as reported.