About Starlite Kennels North

From Rescue to Redemption—for Dogs, Veterans, and Families Alike

Starlite Kennels North began with a simple belief:
Every dog deserves a second chance. And so does every hero.

Founded under the nonprofit Mutt Matchers, our mission was born from compassion—for dogs without homes and for people seeking healing, connection, and purpose. As a no-kill rescue and rehabilitation facility, we believe in giving every dog the time, training, and love they need to thrive.

Many of the dogs we take in have been abandoned, neglected, or overlooked. At our donated facility—designed with both safety and comfort in mind—they receive the care, structure, and attention needed to begin again.

From there, each dog follows one of two meaningful paths:

Dogs who are ready for a loving home are retrained, socialized, and placed into forever families through our public adoption program at Starlite Kennels North. These dogs bring joy, loyalty, and companionship to those who open their hearts and homes.

Select dogs with the right temperament and drive are trained through AZVetK9 to become certified service dogs for U.S. Veterans living with PTSD, trauma, or physical disabilities. These dedicated partners are matched with care and supported for life.

At the heart of everything we do—whether it's adoption or Veteran service placement—is the belief that rescue is just the beginning. It's about healing, restoring trust, and creating lasting bonds between people and the dogs who walk beside them.

We are Mutt Matchers,
Operating as Starlite Kennels North,
Proud to be a no-kill rescue,
And honored to partner with AZVetK9 to serve those who served.

Because when you rescue a dog, you often rescue a human too.

A Place of Healing, Hope, and Transformation

Our work at Starlite Kennels North is made possible by a tremendous gift: a fully donated facility, thoughtfully designed with both rescue dogs and their future families—Veterans and civilians alike—in mind.

Nestled in a peaceful setting, our no-kill shelter provides a calm, structured environment where dogs can recover, train, and thrive on their path to a new life. Whether a dog is preparing to become a service companion through our partnership with AZVetK9, or being readied for adoption into a loving home, this facility is where their journey begins.

🐶 Indoor Kennel Housing for up to 20 Dogs
Clean, temperature-controlled spaces that ensure each dog is safe, comfortable, and cared for around the clock.

🏃‍♂️ Outdoor Training Area
A secure, open-air space where dogs work daily with our trainers to build confidence, improve socialization, and develop key skills—whether for life in a family or for service roles.

🌤️ Outdoor Kennel & Exercise Yards
Spacious, supervised outdoor areas where dogs play, stretch, and build trust through healthy interaction and enrichment.

This facility isn’t just a kennel—it’s a stepping stone. It’s where once-forgotten dogs find new purpose. Where Veterans begin healing. And where lives are changed—four paws at a time.

We’re deeply grateful to those who made this place possible… and to everyone who helps us fill it with love, growth, and transformation.

Rescued with Love. Trained with Purpose. Paired for Life.

Every dog at Starlite Kennels North has a story—and a future full of purpose.

Many of our dogs come from shelters, neglectful environments, or situations where they were simply forgotten. But here, they’re seen, loved, and given the chance to thrive. With patience, structure, and daily interaction, we help them rediscover trust, confidence, and joy.

We don’t just rescue dogs—we believe in them. We take the time to understand their personalities, strengths, and quirks so we can train them not just to follow commands, but to become life-changing companions for Veterans in need.

Some will go on to provide PTSD support. Others will assist with mobility or anxiety. Some will simply offer loyalty, affection, and the grounding presence that only a good dog can give. But all of them—every single one—matters.

They may have come to us broken or afraid.
But with love and training, they leave here ready to serve—and be someone’s hero.