Service Dogs For Veterans Bellingham, WA
Veterans in Bellingham, WA 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. Every Veteran is on a different journey. For some, each day can be a challenge. It is estimated that 1 out 5 suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among the nearly 2.7 million Americans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 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. PAVE exists to assist more Veterans in obtaining the benefits of service dogs. Through personalized training and lifetime support, PAVE makes a difference in the lives of Veterans. Are you a Veteran looking to regain independence? Contact us today.
Could You Benefit From A PAVE Service Dog?
Veterans with psychological and/or physical disabilities experience an array of complex and chronic symptoms like nightmares, difficulty socializing, depression, and anxiety. A PAVE service dog can complete 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 Veterans from nightmares
- Improve sleep quality and quantity
- Increase your daily independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD/MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce medication use
- Make the Veteran's life more enjoyable and encourage a positive outlook
- For everyday tasks, physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- Became disabled while serving our country (does not have to be combat-related).
- Have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need for certain physical help.
- Currently in treatment with a supportive 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 meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of a dog.
- Have been honorably discharged.
PAVE does not place service dogs in the areas of legally blindness, hearing impairment, or medical alert dogs (seizure or diabetic alert). 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). These organizations can be found at ADI.
Yes, PAVE can be accredited to Assistance Dogs International. This international leader in assistance dog training and acquisition sets and promotes high standards of excellence. Only three Oregon-based organizations are currently members.
PAVE is a non-profit organization that is 501(c). It is funded by corporate donations, private donations 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.
To train a service animal, it takes about 1.5 to 2 years.
PAVE is a partner with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers as well as Golden Retrievers.
These breeds have been proven to be excellent service dogs in terms of temperament, aptitude, and work ethic.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
Dog trainers certified in PAVE training are specialists in service dogs. They employ positive reinforcement techniques.
PAVE assistance dogs can be trained to meet the needs of each Veteran. Examples of tasks they perform depend on the Veteran's specific needs but may include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Doors can be opened or closed
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding with DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy)
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International lists some organizations that offer that kind of training.
The first required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- For those suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities, a licensed health professional is providing ongoing support.
- 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.
What is PAVE?
Paws Assisting Veterans, (PAVE), is committed to providing Veterans the support and care they deserve. As a nonprofit service dog organization, we provide service dogs free of charge for Veterans with lifetime support. Veterans can live a fulfilling, independent life thanks to the service dogs that are trained in our extensive program.
Apply for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain your 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. Dedicated to facilitating your new and better life, we provide tailored training and lifelong support with access to professional advice from our specialist 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.