Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Everett, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Everett, WA free of charge with lifetime support.
Although military service is only for a short time, the mental and physical traumas suffered by Veterans can last a lifetime. Every Veteran goes through a unique healing process. Some veterans find it challenging every day. It is estimated that 1 out 5 suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among the nearly 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 receive tremendous support from service dogs, which can help improve their quality life. Our purpose at PAVE is to help more Veterans access the benefits of service dogs. Through personalized training and lifetime support, PAVE makes a difference in the lives of Veterans. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Could You Benefit From A PAVE Service Dog?
Veterans with psychological and/or physical disabilities experience an array of complex and chronic symptoms like nightmares, difficulty socializing, depression, and anxiety. 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
- Steady increase in independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce need for medications
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- For everyday tasks, physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a service dog for Veterans
- 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.
- You are currently receiving support from a provider.
- You can attend our training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon and arrange your transportation and accommodation.
- Living Oregon or in California, Idaho and Oregon.
- Can satisfy the mental, physical, and emotional needs of a dog.
- Have been honorably discharged.
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
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). For organizations who specialize in these areas, please visit ADI.
Yes, PAVE is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. This premier international organization promotes excellence in all aspects of assistance dog acquisition, training, partnership, and partnerships. Only three Oregon organizations are currently accredited members.
PAVE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It receives funding from private donations, corporate gifts, foundation funding and grants.
PAVE requires approximately $42,000 per dog. This includes ongoing support and training.
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.
Training a service dog takes between 1.5 and 2 years.
PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind and selected breeders as well as rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers (Gold Retrievers), Lab/Golden cross dogs.
These breeds are known for their ability, temperament, and work ethic.
Training commences when the dogs are accepted into our program.
PAVE dogs are trained by certified, professional dog trainers specializing in service dogs. Positive reinforcement is used.
PAVE assistance dogs are specially trained to address the disability needs of Veterans. Some of the tasks they do depend on the Veteran, but could include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Close or open doors
- Retrieve 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 lists some organizations that offer that kind of training.
The first required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- For those suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities, a licensed health professional is providing ongoing support.
- Service dogs require housing and financial stability.
Have another Question?
Email the PAVE team at [email protected], and we’ll answer all your questions about service dogs for Veterans.
Why PAVE?
Paws Assisting Veterans(PAVE) is committed to providing Veterans with the support that they need and deserve. We provide service dogs for Veterans free of cost and are a non-profit organization. The trained tasks completed by service dogs through our comprehensive training program empower Veterans to live an independent, fulfilling life.
Apply 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. There is no charge for your service dog, training, or ongoing support.
Get started with PAVE. Complete the contact form to get started.
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.