Service Dogs For Veterans Pocatello, ID
We provide custom-trained service dogs with lifetime support to Veterans in Pocatello, 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. Every Veteran is on a different journey. For some, each day can be 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, PTSD and PTSD all have symptoms that make daily living difficult.
Veterans can rely on service dogs to provide support and help them live a better quality of life. PAVE's mission is to make it easier for more Veterans to enjoy the benefits of service dogs. Our customized training and life-long support make a real and lasting difference in the lives and careers of Veterans. Contact us today if you are a Veteran and want to regain your independence.
Could You Benefit From A PAVE Service Dog?
Veteran with psychological or physical disabilities may experience a variety of chronic and complex symptoms, including anxiety, social difficulties, depression, and nightmares. A PAVE service dog can complete specialized tasks for Veterans to improve their quality of life. PAVE service dogs have been proven to be able to do everything from completing simple tasks to supporting veterans facing difficult situations.
- Wake up Veterans during nightmares
- Increase your sleep quality and quantity
- Increase your daily independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD and MST, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders
- Reduce medication use
- Make the Veteran's life more enjoyable and encourage a positive outlook
- Physical assistance with everyday tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a service dog for Veterans
- Have a disability related to serving our country (doesn't have to be combat-related).
- You have received a medical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need physical help.
- You are currently receiving support from a provider.
- You can attend our training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon and arrange your transportation and accommodation.
- Living Oregon or in California, Idaho and Oregon.
- Can fulfill the needs of a dog on all levels.
- 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). For those organizations who are specialists in these fields, please refer to ADI.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
PAVE's mission is to train and provide service dogs for our Veterans suffering from psychological 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 can be accredited to 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 is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. It receives funding from private donations, corporate gifts, foundation funding and grants.
It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.
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.
Training a service dog takes between 1.5 and 2 years.
PAVE works closely with Guide Dogs for the Blind, select breeders and 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.
Training commences when the dogs are accepted into our program.
Dog trainers certified in PAVE training are specialists in service dogs. They use positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are specially trained to address the disability needs of Veterans. The Veteran's needs will dictate the tasks they perform, but these examples may include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Doors can be opened or closed
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Provide DPT (Deep pressure Therapy) and grounding
PAVE does no train or certify any dogs that are already owned by Veterans. Assistance Dogs International lists several organizations that offer this kind 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.
Why use 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.
Register 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 is no charge for your service dog, training, or ongoing support.
Get started with PAVE. Complete the contact form to get started.
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.