CLEVELAND – Rock Entertainment Group introduces Reggie, the NBA's first team service dog in training, who will be raised by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters in partnership with America's VetDogs. Once trained, Reggie will serve U.S. veterans or first responders with disabilities.

Notably, the Cavaliers are the first NBA team to participate in raising a service dog through America's VetDogs Puppy with a Purpose® initiative—a national nonprofit that provides highly trained service dogs at no cost to veterans and first responders with disabilities. Through this groundbreaking partnership, the Cavs will help offset the significant costs associated with breeding, raising, training and placing each assistance dog, while demonstrating their commitment to supporting those who have served our communities and country.

"Our entire team at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse could not be more excited to welcome Reggie to the family,” said Pam Frasco, Cleveland Cavaliers VP of Social Impact and Executive Director of the Cavs Community Foundation. “We’re committed to creating positive outcomes in our community and supporting local veterans. We look forward to the opportunity to support America’s VetDogs in their mission to help those who have honorably served our country live with dignity and independence.” 

Reggie, an 11-week-old male yellow Labrador Retriever, will undergo basic training and socialization with the Cavs and fellow Rock Entertainment Group franchise, the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League over the next 14 to 18 months. The Cavs and Monsters will host Reggie in their front office, at community events, practices and select home games to help develop him into a confident and calm future service dog. 

Fans can follow Reggie's journey on Instagram @cavscare_ for updates on his training and local appearances.

"America’s VetDogs is thrilled to partner with the Cleveland Cavaliers on their first-ever NBA Puppy with a Purpose initiative," said John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs. "The Cavaliers’ commitment to supporting our nation’s heroes aligns perfectly with our mission to provide trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities. This partnership offers a unique and enriching environment for the puppy to grow and thrive. A well-socialized pup will have fewer adjustments when they return to America’s VetDogs for advanced training, and that confidence will ultimately help their future handler overcome challenges as a team. Together, we are making a life-changing difference for those who have served our country and communities."

Following his basic training, Reggie will return to America's VetDogs campus in Smithtown, NY for formal service dog training. Upon graduation, he will be matched with a veteran or first responder with disabilities at no cost. America's VetDogs' assistance dog programs provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities.

Reggie will make his Cavs debut on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, when the team hosts the Dallas Mavericks at 3:30 p.m. EST at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. His Monsters debut will follow on Sunday, Feb. 23, against the Belleville Senators at noon at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.