Service Dog For Veterans Lakewood, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs with lifetime support to Veterans in Lakewood, WA at no cost.
While military service only lasts for a limited time, the psychological and physical wounds experienced by Veterans can last forever. Every Veteran goes through a unique healing process. Some veterans find it challenging every day. 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). 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. 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.
Is A PAVE Service Dog Right For Me?
Veterans with mental and/or physical disabilities can experience complex, chronic symptoms such as nightmares, difficulty relating to others, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Veterans with disabilities can have their PAVE service dogs perform specialized tasks that improve their quality of life. PAVE service dogs are able to help with simple tasks as well as providing support for those facing significant challenges.
- Wake Veterans from nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Increase your independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD and MST, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders
- Reduce medication use
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- For everyday tasks, physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- 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 in treatment with a supportive provider.
- Can attend the training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon. You will be responsible for your transportation and accommodation.
- You can live in California, Idaho or Oregon.
- Can fulfill the needs of a dog on all levels.
- Honorably discharged
PAVE does not have service dogs for the legally blind, hearing impaired or medical alert dogs (seizure and diabetic alert, for example). Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
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, (PAVE), is committed to providing Veterans the support and care they deserve. We provide service dogs for Veterans free of cost and are a non-profit organization. Veterans can lead a happy, independent life with the help of service dogs who have been trained to perform specific tasks.
Request 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 are dedicated to helping you live a better and more fulfilling life. Our trainers can provide professional advice and tailored training. 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.