Service Dog For Veterans Redmond, WA
Veterans in Redmond, WA get custom-trained service dogs for free 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. Every Veteran goes through a unique healing process. Some veterans find it challenging every day. 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 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. Through personalized training and lifetime support, PAVE makes a difference in the lives of Veterans. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Are PAVE Service Dogs Right For You?
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. From making simple tasks more accessible to providing essential support for significant challenges, PAVE service dogs have been shown to:
- Wake Veterans from their nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Steady increase in independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce the need to take medication
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- Assist with everyday tasks by providing physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- You became disabled while serving your country (doesn't need to be combat-related).
- You have received a medical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need physical help.
- You are currently receiving support from a provider.
- Can attend our training camp, which is located in Portland Metro, Oregon. You must provide transportation and accommodations during the time.
- Live in California, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington.
- Can provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
- You have been honorably discharged.
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. For organizations that specialize in these areas, please see 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). These organizations can be found at ADI.
Yes, PAVE is an accredited 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-based organizations are currently members.
PAVE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It receives funding from private donations, corporate gifts, foundation funding and grants.
It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on 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 with Guide Dogs for the Blind and selected breeders as well as 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.
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 use positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are specially trained to address the 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
- Retrieve items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Provide DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy) and grounding
No, PAVE does not train or certify dogs already owned by the Veteran. Assistance Dogs International has a list of organizations offering this type of training.
The initial 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 use PAVE?
Paws Assisting Veterans, (PAVE), is committed to providing Veterans the support and care they deserve. As a nonprofit service dog organization, we provide service dogs free of charge for Veterans with 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 your 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. We are dedicated to helping you live a better and more fulfilling life. Our trainers can provide professional advice and tailored training. You can access free training for your service dog and 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.