Service Dog For Veterans Marysville, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Marysville, WA free of charge 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. 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 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. Our purpose at PAVE is to help more Veterans 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 A Service Dog From PAVE Support 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 be able to do everything from completing simple tasks to supporting veterans facing difficult situations.
- Wake Veterans from nightmares
- Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
- Increase your daily independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce the need to take medication
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- Physical assistance with everyday tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a PAVE service dog
- You became disabled while serving your country (doesn't need to be combat-related).
- You have received a medical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need 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 satisfy the mental, physical, and emotional needs of a dog.
- You 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). Please see ADI for organizations that specialize in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
PAVE's mission is training and providing service dogs to Veterans suffering from mental or physical disabilities to help them.
PAVE does not place service dogs for legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert, for example). You can find organizations that are experts in these areas at ADI.
Yes, PAVE is an Accredited Member of Assistance Dogs International. This internationally recognized organization sets standards and encourages excellence in all areas related to assistance dog training, acquisition, and partnership. Only three Oregon-based organizations are currently members.
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.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on program expenses.
PAVE provides the service dogs, the training and the ongoing support for free, in addition to the initial supply and equipment valued at more than $1,500.
A service dog can take between 1.5-2 years to train.
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 are known for their ability, 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 techniques.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. The Veteran's needs will dictate the tasks they perform, but these examples may include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Close or open doors
- Retrieve items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding and Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
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 following qualifications are required for the first time:
- Honorable discharge.
- For those suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities, a licensed health professional is providing ongoing support.
- For the good of the service dog's well-being, housing and financial stability are essential.
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. We provide service dogs for Veterans free of cost and are a non-profit organization. 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 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. 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.