Service Dog For Veterans Boise, ID
Veterans in Boise, ID receive custom-trained service animals at no cost with lifetime support.
Although military service is only for a short time, the mental and physical traumas suffered by Veterans can last a lifetime. The healing process is a unique journey for every Veteran, and for some, every day is a challenge. From the roughly 2.7 million Americans that have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, it's estimated that 1 in 5 is experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). TBI, MST, PTSD and PTSD all have symptoms that make daily living difficult.
Veterans with service dogs can greatly benefit from their support. PAVE was created to enable more Veterans to access 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. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Could You Benefit From A PAVE Service Dog?
Veteran with psychological or physical disabilities may experience a variety of chronic and complex symptoms, including anxiety, social difficulties, depression, and nightmares. Veterans with disabilities can have their PAVE service dogs perform specialized tasks that 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 Veterans from their nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- 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
- For everyday tasks, physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- You became disabled while serving your country (doesn't need to be combat-related).
- You have received a medical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need physical help.
- Currently in treatment with a supportive provider.
- Can attend our training camp in the Portland Metro, Oregon, and provide for your own transportation and accommodation during that time.
- Live in California, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington.
- Can meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of a dog.
- Recognized as honorably discharged
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. For organizations that specialize in these areas, please see ADI.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
PAVE's mission, to train and provide service dog for Veterans suffering from physical and/or psychological disabilities is to do so.
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. 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 Oregon-based organizations are currently members.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PAVE is funded by private donations, corporate donations, foundation funding, and grants.
PAVE charges around $42,000 per dog, which includes follow-up training and support for the life of the dog.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on program expenses.
PAVE pays for the service dog, training and support, as well as the initial equipment and supplies worth over $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 consistently been successful in service dog work regarding aptitude, temperament, and work ethic.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
PAVE dogs can be trained by professional, certified dog trainers that specialize in service dogs. Positive reinforcement is used.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. Some of the tasks they do depend on the Veteran, but could include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Doors can be opened or closed
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding with DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy)
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International lists some organizations that offer that kind of training.
The initial required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- For those suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities, a licensed health professional is providing ongoing support.
- Housing and financial stability to provide for the well-being of the service dog.
Have another Question?
Email the PAVE team at [email protected], and we’ll answer all your questions about service dogs for Veterans.
Why choose PAVE?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and deserve. As a nonprofit service dog organization, we provide service dogs free of charge for Veterans with lifetime support. Veterans can live a fulfilling, independent life thanks to the service dogs that are trained in our extensive program.
Register for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready for 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 offer tailored training and ongoing support, as well as access to expert advice from our dog trainers. You can access free training for your service dog and ongoing support.
Start your journey to PAVE by completing this 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.