Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Caldwell, ID
Veterans in Caldwell, ID 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 goes through a unique healing process. Some veterans find it challenging every day. 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. TBI, MST, PTSD and PTSD all have symptoms that make daily living difficult.
Veterans with service dogs can greatly benefit from their support. 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.
Is A PAVE Service Dog Right For Me?
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.
- Increase your independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Reduce the need to take medication
- 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
- You became disabled while serving the country. It doesn't necessarily 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 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 provide for the emotional, mental, and physical 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 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 international leader in assistance dog training and acquisition sets and promotes high standards of excellence. Only three Oregon organizations currently hold accreditation.
PAVE, a 501(c),(3) non-profit organization, is funded through private donations, corporate donations and foundation funding.
It costs PAVE around $42,000 per dog, which includes lifelong follow-up training and support.
Around 90 cents of each dollar goes towards program expenses.
PAVE pays for the service dog, training and support, as well as the initial equipment and supplies worth over $1,500.
It takes approximately 1.5 - 2 years to train a service dog.
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 have proven to be successful in service dog work due to their aptitude, temperament, work ethic, and overall performance.
Training commences when the dogs are accepted into our program.
PAVE dogs are trained by certified, professional dog trainers specializing in service dogs. Positive reinforcement is used.
PAVE assistance dogs are specially trained to address the disability needs of Veterans. They may perform the following tasks depending on the Veteran's particular needs:
- Turn lights on/off
- Doors can be opened or closed
- Retrieve items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding with DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy)
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 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?
Paws Assisting Veterans is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans. 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 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.
Get started with PAVE. Complete the contact form to get started.
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.