More about Danique Masingill

Danique's invaluable knowledge has been sought after by Congress, the Department of Transportation, the Government Accountability Office, and the airline industry. These entities have called upon her expertise to shape comprehensive policies governing service dogs and military canines, shaping the landscape of the service dog industry.

As the esteemed president and founder of Leashes of Valor, Danique spearheaded groundbreaking efforts to advance both the legal and scientific aspects of service dogs. Through a landmark research study conducted in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University's College of Nursing, Danique investigated the effectiveness of service dogs in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This critical research has the potential to solidify service dogs as an evidence-based treatment for these conditions, potentially leading to cost coverage by the Department of Veterans Affairs and private health insurers.

Danique's unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has yielded significant victories. Her pivotal efforts contributed to the Department of Transportation passing rules that distinguish emotional support animals from service dogs on airplanes. Furthermore, it recognized the right to travel with service dogs prescribed for PTSD, cementing Danique's role as an influential advocate for the rights of those who rely on service dogs.

As a co-founder of The Hero Academy, Danique continues to make a profound impact on the lives of veterans, first responders, their families, and communities. This visionary initiative provides service, facility, and working dogs at no cost, furthering her mission to empower those who have served with the unwavering support of purpose-bred expert trained dogs.