Service Dog For Veterans Redding, CA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Redding, CA 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. It's been estimated that 1/5 has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the 2.7 million Americans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Conditions like PTSD, MST, and TBI present numerous symptoms that disrupt daily living and make it difficult to sleep, socialize, and maintain independence.
Veterans can rely on service dogs to provide support and help them live a better quality of life. PAVE was created to enable more Veterans to 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. Are you a Veteran looking to regain independence? Contact us today.
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. PAVE service dogs provide specialized tasks for Veterans to 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
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Increase independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce the need to take medication
- Increase the quality of life for Veterans and improve their outlook
- Assist with everyday tasks by providing physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a PAVE service dog
- Became disabled while serving our country (does not have to be combat-related).
- A clinical diagnosis of PTSD or MST, TBI, or the need for specific physical assistance.
- Currently receiving treatment from a support provider.
- Can attend our training camp, which is located in Portland Metro, Oregon. You must provide transportation and accommodations during the time.
- You currently live in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
- Can provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
- Honorably discharged
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
PAVE's mission is training and providing service dogs to Veterans suffering from mental or physical disabilities to help them.
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 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.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PAVE is funded by private donations, corporate donations, foundation funding, and grants.
PAVE requires approximately $42,000 per dog. This includes ongoing support and training.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on program expenses.
PAVE pays for the service dog, training and support, as well as the initial equipment and supplies worth over $1,500.
A service dog can take between 1.5-2 years to train.
PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers or Lab/Golden crosses.
These breeds have been proven to be excellent service dogs in terms of temperament, aptitude, and work ethic.
Training commences when the dogs are accepted into our program.
PAVE dogs can be trained by professional, certified dog trainers that specialize in service dogs. They employ positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. 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
- Provide DPT (Deep pressure Therapy) and grounding
PAVE doesn't train or certify pets already owned by Veterans. Assistance Dogs International lists several organizations that offer this kind of training.
The following qualifications are required for the first time:
- Honorable discharge.
- Licensed health professional ongoing support appropriate for the mental and/or physical disabilities.
- Service dogs require housing and financial stability.
Have another Question?
Email the PAVE team at [email protected], and we’ll answer all your questions about service dogs for Veterans.
Why PAVE?
Paws Assisting Veterans is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans. As a non-profit service organization, we offer service dogs at no cost to Veterans and provide lifetime support. 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 to regain 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. You can access free training for your service dog and ongoing support.
Begin your journey with PAVE by filling out the 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.