Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Portland, OR
Veterans in Portland, OR 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's believed that one in five Americans who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. TBI, MST and PTSD are all conditions that can disrupt your daily life and make it difficult for you to socialize, sleep, and maintain independence.
Veterans with service dogs can greatly benefit from their support. Our purpose at PAVE is to help more Veterans access the benefits of service dogs. By offering customized training and lifetime support, we make a tangible and significant difference in the lives 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 psychological and/or physically disabled veterans experience a range of complex and persistent symptoms including nightmares, depression, difficulty socializing and anxiety. Veterans with disabilities can have their PAVE service dogs perform specialized tasks that improve their quality of life. PAVE service dogs have been proven to provide support to Veterans in a variety of ways, from making basic tasks easier to providing critical support to those who face significant challenges.
- Wake up Veterans during nightmares
- Improve sleep quality and quantity
- Steady increase in independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Reduce medication use
- Make the Veteran's life more enjoyable and encourage a positive outlook
- For everyday tasks, physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- You became disabled while serving the country. It doesn't necessarily have to be combat-related.
- You have received a medical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need physical help.
- Currently in treatment with a supportive provider.
- Can attend our training camp in the Portland Metro, Oregon, and provide for your own transportation and accommodation during that time.
- You can live in California, Idaho or Oregon.
- Can fulfill the needs of a dog on all levels.
- 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 more information on organizations that are experts in these areas, please visit ADI.
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). Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
Yes, PAVE can be accredited to Assistance Dogs International. This international leader in assistance dog training and acquisition sets and promotes high standards of excellence. Only three organizations in Oregon are currently accredited members.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PAVE is funded by private donations, corporate donations, foundation funding, and grants.
PAVE charges around $42,000 per dog, which includes follow-up training and support for the life of the dog.
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.
To train a service animal, it takes about 1.5 to 2 years.
PAVE works closely with Guide Dogs for the Blind, select breeders and rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers as well as Golden Retrievers.
These breeds have proven to be successful in service dog work due to their aptitude, temperament, work ethic, and overall performance.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
PAVE dogs are trained by certified, professional dog trainers specializing in service dogs. They use positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. Some of the tasks they do depend on the Veteran, but could include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Doors can be opened or closed
- Retrieve 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 some organizations that offer that kind of training.
The first required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- Support provided by licensed health professionals for those with mental or physical disabilities.
- To ensure the well-being and housing of the service dog, financial stability is essential.
Have another Question?
Email the PAVE team at [email protected], and we’ll answer all your questions about service dogs for Veterans.
Why choose 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. The trained tasks completed by service dogs through our comprehensive training program empower Veterans to live an independent, fulfilling life.
Request a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready for 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 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.