About Us

Life is better with a Buddy.
We exist to restore connection, purpose, and daily joy for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through the power of canine companionship.

Why We Exist

Some days are just hard.

The weight of service, the stress, the memories, the sacrifice, can follow our heroes long after the uniform comes off. And while the world often expects strength, what many truly need is support.

We believe that support can come on four legs, with a wagging tail and a steady presence.

Not every person needs a trained service dog. Sometimes, what they need is a Buddy–a companion to share a walk, a thought, a moment of peace.

We founded Buddy Up K9 to match veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families with the right canine companions–whether through professional training or simply finding the right dog for the right person. Our mission is simple: to help lighten the emotional load and give people a reason to get up and try again tomorrow.

Meet The Team

A man with a beard, sunglasses, and a black t-shirt with a badge insignia, kneels next to a German Shepherd dog at a memorial or historical site. The memorial features a large bell suspended above a plaque, with people and trees in the background, and an American flag on a small pole in front.

Pat Cerio
Founder
Pat is a United States Air Force and Department of Justice veteran with over three decades of service.

After witnessing firsthand the toll of combat and duty, he found healing in the bond with his dogs. Buddy Up K9 was born from Pat’s deep belief that no one should have to walk that difficult road alone.

Woman training her dog outdoors on grass, with trees in the background.

Kim Cerio
Co-Founder
Kim is a decorated former Chicago and Texas police officer with over 20 years of experience in professional dog training. After retiring from law enforcement, she credits her dogs with helping her through the darkest moments.

Kim brings unmatched empathy, skill, and passion to every human-canine match Buddy Up K9 facilitates.

Two soldiers in camouflage uniforms and helmets walking on rocky terrain, accompanied by a black dog, with a blurred background.

John Peeler
Board Member
A Marine Corps veteran and K9 handler, John served multiple deployments with his military working dog, Lex.

Now a TSA Canine Training Instructor, John brings a lifelong passion for animals and an unshakable belief in the human-canine bond to the Buddy Up mission.

FAQs

  • We’re honored you’re here. The first step is filling out our simple interest form [apply here] so we can learn more about your story and needs. From there, our team will reach out to guide you through the application process. Whether you need training for your dog or help finding the right companion to grow with, we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone.

  • Nothing at all. Buddy Up K9 provides Buddy dogs or training for Buddy dogs, completely free of charge to current military members, veterans, first responders (past and present), and Gold Star families who are struggling with the memories, the stress and the residual weight of service. Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, there is no financial burden placed on those we serve. Our goal is to make sure cost is never a barrier to healing, hope, and connection.

  • Absolutely. If someone you care about could use the support of a loyal companion, you can nominate them by filling out our nomination form [here]. You can also sponsor a match—covering the cost of training, vetting, and placement for a future recipient. It’s a powerful way to give back, and it often becomes the turning point in someone’s story.

  • Absolutely. If you already have a dog that’s bonded with you but needs structure or purpose, we can step in. Our team will evaluate your dog’s temperament and help create a custom training plan. Many of our Buddy Up partnerships start this way—with a dog that’s already in your corner, just waiting for the next chapter.

  • We don’t keep a kennel of dogs—we build relationships. Our matchmaking process is highly personalized. Once we understand your needs, lifestyle, and preferences, we work with trusted breeders, rescues, and trainers to find a dog who’s the right fit. Sometimes, that means pairing you with a puppy and walking with you through their growth. Other times, it’s finding a steady adult dog with the right temperament. Either way, it’s a journey we take together—with your future in mind.

  • Yes. If you're in crisis, you’re not alone—help is available right now. Please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and press 1 if you're a veteran or service member. You can also reach out to trusted organizations like Stop Soldier Suicide, Mission 22, or The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ individuals). Buddy Up K9 is here for the long haul, but if you need someone today, please make that call. Your life matters.

Want to support our mission or learn more about our process?

Make a Donation
Apply for Support