Service Dog For Veterans Tacoma, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Tacoma, WA free of charge with lifetime support.
Although military service may only be for a brief time, the psychological wounds and physical injuries suffered by Veterans 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. Conditions like PTSD, MST, and TBI present numerous symptoms that disrupt daily living and make it difficult to sleep, socialize, and maintain independence.
Veterans with service dogs can greatly benefit from their support. PAVE was created to enable more Veterans to access 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. Are you a Veteran looking to regain independence? Contact us today.
Could You Benefit From A PAVE Service Dog?
Veterans with psychological and/or physically disabled veterans experience a range of complex and persistent symptoms including nightmares, depression, difficulty socializing and anxiety. A PAVE service dog can complete 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 up Veterans during nightmares
- Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
- Increase your independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of MST, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Reduce medication use
- Improve the Veteran's life quality and outlook
- Assist with everyday tasks by providing physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a service dog for Veterans
- You became disabled while serving the country. It doesn't necessarily have to be combat-related.
- Have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need for certain physical help.
- 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 provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
- 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 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 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 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.
90% of every dollar goes to 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.
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 and Golden Retrievers or Lab/Golden crosses.
These breeds have consistently been successful in service dog work regarding aptitude, temperament, and work ethic.
Once the dogs have joined our program, we will start training!
Professional dog trainers who specialize in service dogs train PAVE dogs. They employ positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. Some of the tasks they do depend on the Veteran, but could 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 first required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- Licensed health professional ongoing support appropriate for the mental and/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.
Why PAVE?
Paws Assisting Veterans, (PAVE), is committed to providing Veterans the support and care they deserve. As a non-profit service organization, we offer service dogs at no cost to Veterans and provide lifetime support. The trained tasks completed by service dogs through our comprehensive training program empower Veterans to live an independent, fulfilling life.
Apply 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. 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. 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.