Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Seattle, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Seattle, 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. 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 can cause a host of symptoms that interfere with daily living, making it difficult to get sleep, socialize, or 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. By offering customized training and lifetime support, we make a tangible and significant difference in the lives of Veterans. If you're a Veteran who is ready to regain your independence, contact us today to learn more.
Is A PAVE Service Dog Right For Me?
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
- Increase your sleep quality and quantity
- Increase your independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Reduce the need to take medication
- Increase the quality of life for Veterans and improve their outlook
- Physical assistance with everyday tasks
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- Have a disability related to serving our country (doesn't have to be combat-related).
- A clinical diagnosis of PTSD or MST, TBI, or the need for specific physical assistance.
- Currently receiving treatment from a support provider.
- Can attend our training camp in the Portland Metro, Oregon, and provide for your own transportation and accommodation during that time.
- Live in California, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington.
- Can meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of a dog.
- Recognized as 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 is training and providing service dogs to Veterans suffering from mental or physical disabilities to help them.
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. For organizations who specialize in these areas, please visit 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 Oregon organizations are currently accredited members.
PAVE is a non-profit organization that is 501(c). It is funded by corporate donations, private donations and grants.
It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.
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.
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 and Golden Retrievers or Lab/Golden crosses.
These breeds have consistently been successful in service dog work regarding aptitude, temperament, and work ethic.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
Professional dog trainers who specialize in service dogs train PAVE dogs. They use positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are specially trained to address the disability needs of Veterans. Some of the tasks they do depend on the Veteran, but could include:
- Turn lights on/off
- Close or open doors
- Retrieve items
- Nightmare interrupt
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding with DPT (Deep Pressure Therapy)
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International has a list of organizations offering this type of training.
The initial required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- Support provided by licensed health professionals for those with mental or physical disabilities.
- 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?
At Paws Assisting Veterans (PAVE), we are wholeheartedly dedicated to providing Veterans with the support they need and deserve. We proudly provide service dogs free of charge to Veterans. Veterans can live a fulfilling, independent life thanks to the service dogs that are trained in our extensive program.
Request 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.
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.