Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Kent, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Kent, 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.
Service dogs provide immense support for Veterans to improve their quality of life. PAVE's mission is to make it easier for more Veterans to enjoy 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. We are ready to help you regain your independence. Contact us today for more information
Are PAVE Service Dogs Right For You?
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. From making simple tasks more accessible to providing essential support for significant challenges, PAVE service dogs have been shown to:
- Wake up Veterans during nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Increase your independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce your need for medication
- Make the Veteran's life more enjoyable and encourage a positive outlook
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a PAVE service dog
- Have a disability related to serving our country (doesn't have to be combat-related).
- You have a diagnosis of PTSD, MST or TBI or need to receive certain physical care.
- Currently in treatment with a supportive provider.
- You can attend our training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon and arrange your transportation and accommodation.
- You can live in California, Idaho or Oregon.
- Can fulfill the needs of a dog on all levels.
- You have been 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). 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). You can find organizations that are experts in these areas at ADI.
Yes, PAVE is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. This internationally recognized organization sets standards and encourages excellence in all areas related to assistance dog training, acquisition, and partnership. Only three Oregon organizations currently hold accreditation.
PAVE, a 501(c),(3) non-profit organization, is funded through private donations, corporate donations and foundation funding.
It costs PAVE around $42,000 per dog, which includes lifelong follow-up training and support.
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 works closely with Guide Dogs for the Blind, select breeders and rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers (Gold Retrievers), Lab/Golden cross dogs.
These breeds have been proven to be excellent service dogs in terms of temperament, aptitude, and work ethic.
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 techniques.
PAVE assistance dogs can be trained to meet the needs of each Veteran. The Veteran's needs will dictate the tasks they perform, but these examples may 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 does no train or certify any dogs that are already owned by Veterans. Assistance Dogs International lists several organizations that offer this kind of training.
The initial required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- Support provided by licensed health professionals for those with mental or physical disabilities.
- 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 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 to regain your 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. We are dedicated to helping you live a better and more fulfilling life. Our trainers can provide professional advice and tailored training. 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.