Our Founders

The people behind the mission that has transformed the lives of both shelter dogs and people with disabilities

Built on compassion.

Driven by purpose.

Focused on what matters most.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

In 2013, Jennifer Cattet and Jack Topham founded Medical Mutts with a shared belief: shelter dogs deserved a second chance, and people with disabilities deserved greater independence.

Jennifer brought decades of experience in animal behavior, service dog training, and research. Jack brought business experience, practical problem-solving, and a deep commitment to dogs and the people they could help. Together, they began training dogs from their home in Indianapolis.

This replaces the current introductory paragraphs and begins the story in a warmer, more personal way. The current page introduces the founding in 2013 but repeats similar ideas in several places.

TWO DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS

ONE SHARED VISION

Jennifer brought decades of experience in animal behavior, learning theory, and service dog training. Jack brought practical business experience, problem solving, and an unwavering commitment to helping both people and dogs. Together, they built an organization that combined science with compassion.

Jennifer Cattet Ph.D.

Co-Founder & President

A scientist, dog trainer, and educator, Jennifer has spent more than four decades studying animal behavior and training dogs to improve lives.

Ph.D. in Psychology & Ethology

International speaker and published author

Pioneer in medical alert dog research

International coach for professional service dog trainers

Jack Topham

Co-Founder

With a background in business, Jack brought the leadership, practical skills, and problem-solving that helped Medical Mutts grow into the organization it is today.

Business and operational expertise

Hands-on commitment to dogs and the people they help.

Strategic planning and organizational growth

We never set out to build the largest service dog organization. We set out to build one that would give both people and shelter dogs the opportunity to reach their full potential.

OUR TIMELINE

From a small vision at home to a thriving non-profit,

here are the key milestones in our journey

2013-2014

First employee

Medical Mutts hires its first trainer and moves into its first dedicated training facility

2013-2014

Medical Mutts is founded

Jennifer & Jack begin training rescue dogs from their home in Indianapolis.

2015-2018

Rapid growth

Staff expands
Facility doubles in size
Group classes launch

2019

Becoming a non-profit

Medical Mutts officially becomes a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

2020

A new home

Classes move online during COVID
Medical Mutts purchases its permanent facility in Broad Ripple Indianapolis

2022

ADI candidate

Medical Mutts begins the Assistance Dogs International accreditation process

2023

10 years of impact

100+ service dogs placed
150+ Owner-Trained Teams
Facility for 30 dogs
Team of 14 professionals

CONTINUING THE MISSION

Although Jack retired in 2025, the values that shaped Medical Mutts continue to guide every decision we make.

Jennifer, together with our staff, volunteers, and supporters, remains committed to building an organization where science, compassion, and second chances come together to change lives.