Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Meridian, ID
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Meridian, ID free of charge with lifetime support.
Although military service may only be for a brief time, the psychological wounds and physical injuries suffered by Veterans can last a lifetime. The healing process is a unique journey for every Veteran, and for some, every day is a challenge. 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). 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 was created to enable more Veterans to access the benefits of service dogs. We make a significant impact on the lives of Veterans by providing personalized training and ongoing support. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Could A Service Dog From PAVE Support You?
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. PAVE service dogs are able to help with simple tasks as well as providing support for those facing significant challenges.
- Wake Veterans from their nightmares
- Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
- Increase your daily independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD/MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce medication use
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- Assist with everyday tasks by providing physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a service dog for Veterans
- Have a disability related to serving our country (doesn't 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.
- You can attend our training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon and arrange your transportation and accommodation.
- You currently live in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
- Can fulfill the needs of a dog on all levels.
- You have been honorably discharged.
PAVE does not place service dogs in the areas of legally blindness, hearing impairment, or medical alert dogs (seizure or diabetic alert). 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 legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert, for example). These organizations can be found at ADI.
Yes, PAVE can be accredited to 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-based organizations are currently members.
PAVE, a 501(c),(3) non-profit organization, is funded through private donations, corporate donations and foundation funding.
It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.
90% of every dollar goes to program expenses.
PAVE provides the service dogs, the training and the ongoing support for free, in addition to the initial supply and equipment valued at more than $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!
Professional dog trainers who specialize in service dogs train PAVE dogs. They use positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. 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 interrupt
- 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 some organizations that offer that kind of training.
The initial required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- A licensed health professional who can offer ongoing support for people with mental and/or physically 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 PAVE?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and deserve. As a non-profit service organization, we offer service dogs at no cost to Veterans and provide lifetime support. 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 is ready to support you through the PAVE process from application to training camp with your new companion and service dog. 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 are no charges for service dogs, training and ongoing support.
Start your journey with PAVE by completing the simple contact form.
We look forward to speaking with 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.