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Service Dog For Veterans Bend, OR

We provide custom-trained service dogs with lifetime support to Veterans in Bend, 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 been estimated that 1/5 has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the 2.7 million Americans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Conditions like PTSD, MST, and TBI present numerous symptoms that disrupt daily living and make it difficult to sleep, socialize, and maintain independence.

Veterans can rely on service dogs to provide support and help them live a better quality of life. PAVE was created to enable more Veterans to access the benefits of service dogs. Through personalized training and lifetime support, PAVE makes a difference in the lives 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?

Veteran with psychological or physical disabilities may experience a variety of chronic and complex symptoms, including anxiety, social difficulties, depression, and nightmares. PAVE service dogs provide specialized tasks for Veterans to improve their quality of life. PAVE service dogs have been proven to provide support to Veterans in a variety of ways, from making basic tasks easier to providing critical support to those who face significant challenges.

  • Wake up Veterans during nightmares
  • Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
  • Increase your independence 
  • Increase positive social interactions
  • Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
  • Reduce need for medications
  • Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
  • Assistance with daily tasks
  • Reduce hypervigilance
Service Dogs

Hear From Our Veterans

The 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 support provider.
  • Can attend our training camp, which is located in Portland Metro, Oregon. You must provide transportation and accommodations during the time.
  • You currently live in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
  • Can provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
  • Recognized as honorably discharged

Please note that PAVE does not place service dogs for legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert for example). For more information on organizations that are experts in these areas, please visit ADI.

golden retriever service dog

Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans

PAVE's mission is to train and provide service dogs for our Veterans suffering from psychological and/or physical disabilities.

PAVE does not place service dogs for legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert, for example). You can find organizations that are experts in these areas at ADI.

Yes, PAVE is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. This premier international organization establishes and promotes standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership. Only three organizations in Oregon are currently accredited members.

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

PAVE requires approximately $42,000 per dog. This includes ongoing support and training.

Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on program expenses.

PAVE provides the service dog, the training, and ongoing support at no charge, along with the initial supply of equipment and supplies valued at over $1,500.

It takes approximately 1.5 - 2 years to train a service dog.

PAVE is a partner with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.

PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers or Lab/Golden crosses.

These breeds have proven to be successful in service dog work due to their aptitude, temperament, work ethic, and overall performance.

Once the dogs have joined our program, we will start training!

PAVE dogs are trained by certified, professional dog trainers specializing in service dogs. They employ positive reinforcement methods.

PAVE assistance dogs can be trained to meet the needs of each Veteran. They may perform the following tasks depending on the Veteran's particular needs:

  • Turn lights on/off
  • Doors can be opened or closed
  • Get items
  • Nightmare interruption
  • Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
  • Provide DPT (Deep pressure Therapy) and grounding

PAVE doesn't train or certify pets already owned by Veterans. Assistance Dogs International has a list of organizations offering this type of training.

The initial required qualifications are:

  1. Honorable discharge.
  2. A licensed health professional who can offer ongoing support for people with mental and/or physically disabilities.
  3. To ensure the well-being and housing of the service dog, financial stability is essential.

Have another Question?

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

What is PAVE?

Paws Assisting Veterans is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans. As a non-profit service organization, we offer service dogs at no cost to Veterans and provide lifetime support. Veterans can live a fulfilling, independent life thanks to the service dogs that are trained in our extensive program.

Apply for a PAVE Service Dog

Are you ready for independence? 

Our team is here to help you with the entire PAVE process. From application to training camp, we will support you and your new companion/service dog. Dedicated to facilitating your new and better life, we provide tailored training and lifelong support with access to professional advice from our specialist dog trainers. There ie no cost to your service dog, training or ongoing support.

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

We look forward to speaking with 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.