Service Dog For Veterans Renton, WA
Veterans in Renton, WA receive custom-trained service animals at no cost 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, PTSD, and PTSD can cause a host of symptoms that interfere with daily living, making it difficult to get sleep, socialize, or maintain independence.
Veterans with service dogs can greatly benefit from their support. PAVE exists to assist more Veterans in obtaining 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. We are ready to help you regain your independence. Contact us today for more information
Could You Benefit From A PAVE Service Dog?
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 have been proven to be able to do everything from completing simple tasks to supporting veterans facing difficult situations.
- Wake up Veterans during nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Increase your independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD/MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce your need for medication
- 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
- You became disabled while serving your country (doesn't need to be combat-related).
- You have a diagnosis of PTSD, MST or TBI or need to receive certain physical care.
- 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.
- Living Oregon or in California, Idaho and Oregon.
- Can meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of a dog.
- 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 the legally blind or hearing impaired. You can find organizations that are experts in these areas at ADI.
Yes, PAVE is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. This international leader in assistance dog training and acquisition sets and promotes high standards of excellence. Only three Oregon organizations currently hold accreditation.
PAVE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It receives funding from private donations, corporate gifts, foundation funding and grants.
It costs PAVE around $42,000 per dog, which includes lifelong follow-up training and support.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on 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 closely with Guide Dogs for the Blind, select breeders and rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers (Gold Retrievers), Lab/Golden cross dogs.
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 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
- Open or close doors
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding with DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy)
PAVE does no train or certify any dogs that are already owned by Veterans. Assistance Dogs International has a list of organizations offering this type of training.
The following qualifications are required for the first time:
- 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 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.
Apply for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain independence?
Our team is here to help you with the entire PAVE process. From application to training camp, we will support you and your new companion/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 are no charges for service dogs, training 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.