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
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 the legally blind or hearing impaired. These organizations can be found at ADI.
Yes, PAVE has been accredited as a 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 is a non-profit organization that is 501(c). It is funded by corporate donations, private donations 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 at no charge, along with the initial supply of equipment and supplies valued at over $1,500.
A service dog can take between 1.5-2 years to train.
PAVE works closely with Guide Dogs for the Blind, select 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.
Training commences when the dogs are accepted into our program.
Dog trainers certified in PAVE training are specialists in service dogs. Positive reinforcement is used.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. Examples of tasks they perform depend on the Veteran's specific needs but may include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Doors can be opened or closed
- Retrieve 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 has a list of organizations offering this type of training.
These are the initial qualifications required:
- Honorable discharge.
- Licensed health professional ongoing support appropriate for the mental and/or physical disabilities.
- For the good of the service dog's well-being, housing and financial stability are essential.
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.