Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Davis, CA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Davis, CA free of charge with lifetime support.
Although military service may only be for a brief time, the psychological wounds and physical injuries suffered by Veterans can last a lifetime. Each Veteran's healing journey is unique, and some days are difficult. 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 can cause a host of symptoms that interfere with daily living, making it difficult to get sleep, socialize, or maintain independence.
Veterans can rely on service dogs to provide support and help them live a better 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. We are ready to help you regain your independence. Contact us today for more information
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. A PAVE service dog can complete specialized tasks for Veterans to improve their quality of life. PAVE service dogs are able to help with simple tasks as well as providing support for those facing significant challenges.
- Wake Veterans from their nightmares
- Increase your sleep quality and quantity
- Increase your independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce your need for medication
- Increase the quality of life for Veterans and improve their outlook
- Physical assistance with everyday tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- Became disabled while serving our country (does not have to be combat-related).
- A clinical diagnosis of PTSD or MST, TBI, or the need for specific physical assistance.
- You are currently receiving support from a provider.
- You can attend our training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon and arrange your transportation and accommodation.
- You can live in California, Idaho or Oregon.
- Can provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
- Have been honorably discharged.
PAVE does not have service dogs for the legally blind, hearing impaired or medical alert dogs (seizure and 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, to train and provide service dog for Veterans suffering from physical and/or psychological disabilities is to do so.
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 is an Accredited Member of Assistance Dogs International. This international leader in assistance dog training and acquisition sets and promotes high standards of excellence. Only three organizations in Oregon are currently accredited members.
PAVE is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It receives funding from private donations, corporate gifts, foundation funding and grants.
PAVE requires approximately $42,000 per dog. This includes ongoing support and training.
90% of every dollar goes to program expenses.
PAVE provides the service dog, the training and ongoing support free of charge. The initial supply of equipment is valued at $1,500.
It takes approximately 1.5 - 2 years to train a service dog.
PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind and selected breeders as well as rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers (Gold Retrievers), Lab/Golden cross dogs.
These breeds have been proven to be excellent service dogs in terms of temperament, aptitude, and work ethic.
Once the dogs have joined our program, we will start training!
PAVE dogs can be trained by professional, certified dog trainers that specialize in service dogs. They employ positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual 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
- Retrieve items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding with DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy)
No, PAVE does not train or certify dogs already owned by the Veteran. Assistance Dogs International provides a list of organizations that provide this type of training.
These are the initial qualifications required:
- Honorable discharge.
- Licensed health professional ongoing support appropriate for the mental and/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 choose PAVE?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and 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.
Register for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready for independence?
Our team is available to assist you in every step of the PAVE process, from application to training camp to your new companion or 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 are no charges for service dogs, training and ongoing support.
Start your journey with PAVE by completing the 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.