Service Dog For Veterans Auburn, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs with lifetime support to Veterans in Auburn, WA at no cost.
Although military service is only for a short time, the mental and physical traumas suffered by Veterans can last a lifetime. Each Veteran's healing journey is unique, and some days are difficult. 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, PTSD and PTSD all have symptoms that make daily living difficult.
Service dogs provide immense support for Veterans to improve their quality of life. PAVE was created to enable more Veterans to access the benefits of service dogs. Through personalized training and lifetime support, PAVE makes a difference in the lives of Veterans. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Could You Benefit From A PAVE Service Dog?
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 with disabilities can have their PAVE service dogs perform specialized tasks that 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 Veterans from nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Steady increase in independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Reduce medication use
- Make the Veteran's life more enjoyable and encourage a 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 receiving treatment from a supportive provider.
- Can attend our training camp in the Portland Metro, Oregon, and provide for your own transportation and accommodation during that time.
- You can live in California, Idaho or Oregon.
- Can satisfy the mental, physical, and emotional needs of a dog.
- Honorably discharged
PAVE does not place service dogs in the areas of legally blindness, hearing impairment, or medical alert dogs (seizure or diabetic alert). 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 legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert, for example). These organizations can be found at ADI.
Yes, PAVE has been accredited as a member of Assistance Dogs International. This premier international organization promotes excellence in all aspects of assistance dog acquisition, training, partnership, and partnerships. Only three organizations in Oregon are currently accredited members.
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.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on program expenses.
PAVE pays for the service dog, training and support, as well as the initial equipment and supplies worth over $1,500.
A service dog can take between 1.5-2 years to train.
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 consistently been successful in service dog work regarding aptitude, temperament, and work ethic.
Once the dogs have joined our program, we will start training!
Dog trainers certified in PAVE training are specialists in service dogs. They employ positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs can be trained to meet the needs of each Veteran. Some of the tasks they do depend on the Veteran, but could 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 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 initial required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- For those suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities, a licensed health professional is providing ongoing support.
- 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 use PAVE?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and deserve. We provide service dogs for Veterans free of cost and are a non-profit organization. Veterans can live a fulfilling, independent life thanks to the service dogs that are trained in our extensive program.
Request 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 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 to PAVE by completing this 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.