Service Dogs For Veterans Albany, OR
We provide custom-trained service dogs with lifetime support to Veterans in Albany, OR at no cost.
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. 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.
Service dogs provide immense support for Veterans to improve their quality of life. Our purpose at PAVE is to help more Veterans access 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. If you're a Veteran who is ready to regain your independence, contact us today to learn more.
Could A Service Dog From PAVE Support 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 provide support to Veterans in a variety of ways, from making basic tasks easier to providing critical support to those who face significant challenges.
- Wake up Veterans during nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Increase independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD/MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce your need for medication
- Make the Veteran's life more enjoyable and encourage a positive outlook
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a PAVE service dog
- Became disabled while serving our country (does not have to be combat-related).
- You have received a medical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need physical help.
- Currently receiving treatment from a support 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 fulfill the needs of a dog on all levels.
- Recognized as honorably discharged
Please note that PAVE does not place service dogs for legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, 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 training and providing service dogs to Veterans suffering from mental or physical disabilities to help them.
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
Yes, PAVE is an Accredited Member of Assistance Dogs International. This premier international organization promotes excellence in all aspects of assistance dog acquisition, training, partnership, and partnerships. 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 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 are known for their ability, temperament, and work ethic.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
Professional dog trainers who specialize in service dogs train PAVE dogs. They use positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. The Veteran's needs will dictate the tasks they perform, but these examples may include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Open or close doors
- Retrieve items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Provide DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy) and grounding
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International provides a list of organizations that provide this type of training.
The first required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- Support provided by licensed health professionals for those with mental 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.
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.
Register for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain your 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 offer tailored training and ongoing support, as well as access to expert advice from our dog trainers. There ie no cost to your service dog, training or ongoing support.
Begin your journey with PAVE by filling out the 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.