Service Dogs For Veterans Vancouver, WA
Veterans in Vancouver, WA receive custom-trained service animals at no cost with lifetime support.
While military service only lasts for a limited time, the psychological and physical wounds experienced by Veterans can last forever. 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. We make a significant impact on the lives of Veterans by providing personalized training and ongoing support. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Are PAVE Service Dogs Right For You?
Veterans with psychological and/or physical disabilities experience an array of complex and chronic symptoms like nightmares, difficulty socializing, depression, and anxiety. 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 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 medication use
- 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
- You became disabled while serving your country (doesn't need to be combat-related).
- A clinical diagnosis of PTSD or MST, TBI, or the need for specific physical assistance.
- Currently in treatment with a supportive provider.
- You can attend our training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon and arrange your transportation and accommodation.
- You currently live in California, Idaho, Oregon, 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. Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
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 the legally blind or hearing impaired. You can find organizations that are experts in these areas at ADI.
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.
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 dog, the training, and ongoing support at no charge, along with the initial supply of equipment and supplies valued at over $1,500.
Training a service dog takes between 1.5 and 2 years.
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 are known for their ability, temperament, and work ethic.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
PAVE dogs can be trained by professional, certified dog trainers that specialize in service dogs. Positive reinforcement is used.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. They may perform the following tasks depending on the Veteran's particular needs:
- Turn lights on/off
- Close or open doors
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding and Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. 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.
- Support provided by licensed health professionals for those with mental or physical disabilities.
- Housing and financial stability to provide for the well-being of the service dog.
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(PAVE) is committed to providing Veterans with the support that they need and 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.
Apply for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain independence?
Our team is ready to support you through the PAVE process from application to training camp with your new companion and service dog. We provide personalized training and support for the lifetime of your dog. You can also access professional advice from our expert dog trainers. There ie no cost to your service dog, training or 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.