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Service Dog For Veterans Beaverton, OR

We provide custom-trained service dogs with lifetime support to Veterans in Beaverton, OR at no cost.

Although military service is only for a short time, the mental and physical traumas suffered by Veterans can last a lifetime. Every Veteran is on a different journey. For some, each day can be a challenge. It's believed that one in five Americans who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. TBI, MST, PTSD, and PTSD can cause a host of symptoms that interfere with daily living, making it difficult to get sleep, socialize, or maintain independence.

Veterans can rely on service dogs to provide support and help them live a better quality of life. PAVE exists to assist more Veterans in obtaining the benefits of service dogs. Our customized training and life-long support make a real and lasting difference in the lives and careers of Veterans. If you're a Veteran who is ready to regain your independence, contact us today to learn more.

Are PAVE Service Dogs Right For You?

Veterans with mental and/or physical disabilities can experience complex, chronic symptoms such as nightmares, difficulty relating to others, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. PAVE service dogs provide specialized tasks for Veterans to improve their quality of life. PAVE service dogs have been proven to be able to do everything from completing simple tasks to supporting veterans facing difficult situations.

  • Wake up Veterans during nightmares
  • Increase your sleep quality and quantity
  • Steady increase in independence 
  • Positive social interactions can be increased
  • Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
  • Reduce need for medications
  • Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
  • For everyday tasks, physical assistance
  • Reduce hypervigilance
Service Dogs

Hear From Our Veterans

Our Basic Criteria for a Service Dog

  • You became disabled while serving the country. It doesn't necessarily have to be combat-related.
  • You have a diagnosis of PTSD, MST or TBI or need to receive certain physical care.
  • Currently receiving treatment from a supportive provider.
  • Can attend the training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon. You will be responsible for your transportation and accommodation.
  • Live in California, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington.
  • Can satisfy the mental, physical, and emotional needs of a dog.
  • Recognized as honorably discharged

PAVE does not place service dogs in the areas of legally blindness, hearing impairment, or medical alert dogs (seizure or diabetic alert). For organizations that specialize in these areas, please see ADI.

golden retriever service dog

Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans

PAVE's mission is training and providing service dogs to Veterans suffering from mental or physical disabilities to help them.

PAVE does not place service dogs for legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert, for example). Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.

Yes, PAVE is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. This international leader in assistance dog training and acquisition sets and promotes high standards of excellence. Only three Oregon organizations are currently accredited members.

PAVE, a 501(c),(3) non-profit organization, is funded through private donations, corporate donations and foundation funding.

It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.

90% of every dollar goes to program expenses.

PAVE provides the service dog, the training and ongoing support free of charge. The initial supply of equipment is valued at $1,500.

A service dog can take between 1.5-2 years to train.

PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.

PAVE primarily trains Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or Lab/Golden crosses.

These breeds have been proven to be excellent service dogs in terms of temperament, aptitude, and work ethic.

As soon as the dogs join our program!

Professional dog trainers who specialize in service dogs train PAVE dogs. They employ positive reinforcement methods.

PAVE assistance dogs are trained to accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. Examples of tasks they perform depend on the Veteran's specific needs but may include:

  • Turn lights on/off
  • Close or open doors
  • Retrieve items
  • Nightmare interruption
  • Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
  • Grounding and Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)

PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International has a list of organizations offering this type of training.

The following qualifications are required for the first time:

  1. Honorable discharge.
  2. Support provided by licensed health professionals for those with mental or physical disabilities.
  3. For the good of the service dog's well-being, housing and financial stability are essential.

Have another Question?

Email the PAVE team at [email protected], and we’ll answer all your questions about service dogs for Veterans.

Why use PAVE?

Paws Assisting Veterans, (PAVE), is committed to providing Veterans the support and care they deserve. We provide service dogs for Veterans free of cost and are a non-profit organization. Veterans can lead a happy, independent life with the help of service dogs who have been trained to perform specific tasks.

Apply for a PAVE Service Dog

Are you ready to regain independence? 

Our team is available to assist you in every step of the PAVE process, from application to training camp to your new companion or service dog. We provide personalized training and support for the lifetime of your dog. You can also access professional advice from our expert dog trainers. There is no charge for your service dog, training, or ongoing support.

Start your journey with PAVE by completing the simple contact form.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Help Veterans Regain Their Freedom

Service dogs save lives. Help us to help Veterans by supporting PAVE. Your support and generosity go directly towards helping our Veterans and more donations mean more service dogs for Veterans in need.