Service Dog For Veterans Springfield, OR
Veterans in Springfield, 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. The healing process is a unique journey for every Veteran, and for some, every day is a challenge. It's believed that one in five Americans who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Conditions like PTSD, MST, and TBI present numerous symptoms that disrupt daily living and make it difficult to sleep, socialize, and 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. 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. 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
- Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
- Increase independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD and MST, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders
- Reduce need for medications
- 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 the country. It doesn't necessarily have to be combat-related.
- A clinical diagnosis of PTSD or MST, TBI, or the need for specific physical assistance.
- 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.
- You can live in California, Idaho or Oregon.
- 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 organizations that specialize in these areas, please see ADI.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
PAVE's mission it to provide service dogs for Veterans with mental and/or physical disabilities.
PAVE does not place service dogs for legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert, for example). For organizations who specialize in these areas, please visit 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 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.
It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.
Around 90 cents of each dollar goes towards 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.
Training a service dog takes between 1.5 and 2 years.
PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind and selected breeders as well as rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers (Gold Retrievers), Lab/Golden cross dogs.
These breeds have been proven to be excellent service dogs in terms of temperament, aptitude, and work ethic.
Once the dogs have joined our program, we will start training!
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 accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. Examples of tasks they perform depend on the Veteran's specific needs but may include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Close or open doors
- Get 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 provides a list of organizations that provide this type 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.
- For the good of the service dog's well-being, housing and financial stability are essential.
Have another Question?
Email the PAVE team at [email protected], and we’ll answer all your questions about service dogs for Veterans.
What is PAVE?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and deserve. As a nonprofit service dog organization, we provide service dogs free of charge for Veterans with lifetime support. Veterans can lead a happy, independent life with the help of service dogs who have been trained to perform specific tasks.
Register for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready for 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 offer tailored training and ongoing support, as well as access to expert advice from our dog trainers. You can access free training for your service dog and ongoing support.
Start your journey with PAVE by completing the simple contact form.
We look forward to speaking with 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.