Service Dogs For Veterans Nampa, ID
Veterans in Nampa, ID receive custom-trained service animals at no cost with lifetime support.
While military service only lasts for a limited time, the psychological and physical wounds experienced by Veterans can last forever. The healing process is a unique journey for every Veteran, and for some, every day is a challenge. 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 and PTSD are all conditions that can disrupt your daily life and make it difficult for you to socialize, sleep, and maintain independence.
Veterans receive tremendous support from service dogs, which can help improve their quality life. PAVE's mission is to make it easier for more Veterans to enjoy the benefits of service dogs. We make a significant impact on the lives of Veterans by providing personalized training and ongoing support. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Are PAVE Service Dogs Right For You?
Veterans with psychological and/or physically disabled veterans experience a range of complex and persistent symptoms including nightmares, depression, difficulty socializing and anxiety. PAVE service dogs provide 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 nightmares
- You can improve your sleep quality.
- Increase your independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce medication use
- Increase the quality of life for Veterans and improve their 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.
- A clinical diagnosis of PTSD or MST, TBI, or the need for specific physical assistance.
- Currently in treatment with a supportive provider.
- Can attend our training camp, which is located in Portland Metro, Oregon. You must provide transportation and accommodations during the time.
- You currently live in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
- Can meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of a dog.
- You have been honorably discharged.
Please note that 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.
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 the legally blind or hearing impaired. You can find organizations that are experts in these areas at ADI.
Yes, PAVE can be accredited to 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 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.
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 dog, the training and ongoing support free of charge. The initial supply of equipment is valued at $1,500.
Training a service dog takes between 1.5 and 2 years.
PAVE works with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.
PAVE primarily trains Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or Lab/Golden crosses.
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
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Provide DPT (Deep pressure Therapy) and grounding
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.
The initial 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.
Why PAVE?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and deserve. As a non-profit service organization, we offer service dogs at no cost to Veterans and provide 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 will be there to help you from the beginning of your PAVE application to training camp with your service dog or companion. 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. You can access free training for your service dog and ongoing support.
Start your journey to PAVE by completing this simple contact form.
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.