Service Dogs For Veterans Idaho Falls, ID
We provide custom-trained service dogs with lifetime support to Veterans in Idaho Falls, ID 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. 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. We make a significant impact on the lives of Veterans by providing personalized training and ongoing support. Are you a Veteran looking to regain independence? Contact us today.
Are PAVE Service Dogs Right For 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. Veterans can benefit from PAVE service dogs due to their ability to perform specialized tasks. 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 their nightmares
- Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
- Steady increase in independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Reduce need for medications
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- Assist with everyday tasks by providing physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a PAVE service dog
- Have a disability related to serving our country (doesn't have to be combat-related).
- You have a diagnosis of PTSD, MST or TBI or need to receive certain physical care.
- You are currently receiving support from a provider.
- Can attend the training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon. You will be responsible for your transportation and accommodation.
- You can live in California, Idaho or Oregon.
- Can satisfy the mental, physical, and emotional needs of a dog.
- Recognized as honorably discharged
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. 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). Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
Yes, PAVE has been accredited as a member of Assistance Dogs International. This premier international organization establishes and promotes standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership. 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.
PAVE charges around $42,000 per dog, which includes follow-up training and support for the life of the dog.
Around 90 cents of each dollar goes towards 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.
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 as well as Golden Retrievers.
These breeds have proven to be successful in service dog work due to their aptitude, temperament, work ethic, and overall performance.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
Professional dog trainers who specialize in service dogs train PAVE dogs. Positive reinforcement is used.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. 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)
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International lists several organizations that offer this kind of training.
These are the initial qualifications required:
- Honorable discharge.
- Licensed health professional ongoing support appropriate for the mental and/or physical disabilities.
- 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.
Why 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 lead a happy, independent life with the help of service dogs who have been trained to perform specific tasks.
Register for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain your 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. We provide personalized training and support for the lifetime of your dog. You can also access professional advice from our expert dog trainers. There are no charges for service dogs, training and 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.