Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Kirkland, WA
Veterans in Kirkland, WA 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. Each Veteran's healing journey is unique, and some days are difficult. 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. 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.
Service dogs provide immense support for Veterans to improve their 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. 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. 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 Veterans from nightmares
- Improve sleep quality and quantity
- Increase your independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Reduce the need to take medication
- Increase the quality of life for Veterans and improve their outlook
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a service dog for Veterans
- Became disabled while serving our country (does not have to be combat-related).
- Have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need for certain physical help.
- Currently receiving treatment from a support 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 provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
- Recognized as honorably discharged
PAVE does not have service dogs for the legally blind, hearing impaired or medical alert dogs (seizure and diabetic alert, for example). 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. For organizations who specialize in these areas, please visit 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 organizations currently hold accreditation.
PAVE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It receives funding from private donations, corporate gifts, foundation funding and grants.
It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.
Around 90 cents of each dollar goes towards 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.
To train a service animal, it takes about 1.5 to 2 years.
PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers (Gold Retrievers), Lab/Golden cross dogs.
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. They employ positive reinforcement techniques.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. The Veteran's needs will dictate the tasks they perform, but these examples may include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Close or open doors
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Provide DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy) and grounding
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International lists several organizations that offer this kind of training.
The first 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 use PAVE?
Paws Assisting Veterans is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans. We provide service dogs for Veterans free of cost and are a non-profit organization. Veterans can live a fulfilling, independent life thanks to the service dogs that are trained in our extensive program.
Request a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain your independence?
Our team will be there to help you from the beginning of your PAVE application to training camp with your service dog or companion. 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 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.