Service Dogs For Veterans Salem, OR
Veterans in Salem, OR receive custom-trained service animals at no cost with lifetime support.
While military service may only last for a limited time, the psychological and physical wounds that Veterans experience can last a lifetime. Every Veteran is on a different journey. For some, each day can be 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 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. 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.
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 can benefit from PAVE service dogs due to their ability to perform specialized tasks. PAVE service dogs are able to help with simple tasks as well as providing support for those facing significant challenges.
- Wake up Veterans during nightmares
- Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
- Steady increase in independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD and MST, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders
- Reduce medication use
- Increase the quality of life for Veterans and improve their outlook
- Physical assistance with everyday tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- Have a disability related to serving our country (doesn't 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 the training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon. You will be responsible for your transportation and accommodation.
- You currently live in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
- Can provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
- Have been 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 internationally recognized organization sets standards and encourages excellence in all areas related to assistance dog training, acquisition, and partnership. Only three organizations in Oregon are currently accredited members.
PAVE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It receives funding from private donations, corporate gifts, 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 pays for the service dog, training and support, as well as the initial equipment and supplies worth over $1,500.
It takes approximately 1.5 - 2 years to train a service dog.
PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.
PAVE primarily trains Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or Lab/Golden crosses.
These breeds are known for their ability, temperament, and work ethic.
Training commences when the dogs are accepted into our program.
Dog trainers certified in PAVE training are specialists in service dogs. They employ positive reinforcement techniques.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. Some of the tasks they do depend on the Veteran, but could include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Open or close doors
- Get items
- Nightmare interrupt
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding and Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
PAVE doesn't train or certify pets already owned by Veterans. Assistance Dogs International has a list of organizations offering this type 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.
- 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?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and deserve. We proudly provide service dogs free of charge to Veterans. 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 is available to assist you in every step of the PAVE process, from application to training camp to your new companion or service dog. 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.