Trained Service Dogs For Veterans Twin Falls, ID
Veterans in Twin Falls, ID receive custom-trained service animals at no cost 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. The healing process is a unique journey for every Veteran, and for some, every day is a challenge. It's believed that one in five Americans who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. TBI, MST, PTSD and PTSD all have symptoms that make daily living difficult.
Veterans receive tremendous support from service dogs, which can help improve their quality life. Our purpose at PAVE is to help more Veterans access the benefits of service dogs. We make a significant impact on the lives of Veterans by providing personalized training and ongoing support. We are ready to help you regain your independence. Contact us today for more information
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. Veterans with disabilities can have their PAVE service dogs perform specialized tasks that 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
- Improve sleep quality and quantity
- Increase your daily independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce your need for medication
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- For everyday tasks, physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
Our basic criteria for a PAVE service dog
- 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 receiving treatment from 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.
- Honorably discharged
PAVE does not place service dogs for the legally blind or hearing impaired. For more information on organizations that are experts in these areas, please visit ADI.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
PAVE's mission it to provide service dogs for Veterans with mental 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 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 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.
PAVE requires approximately $42,000 per dog. This includes ongoing support and training.
90% of every dollar goes to program expenses.
PAVE provides the service dog, the training, and ongoing support at no charge, along with the initial supply of equipment and supplies valued at over $1,500.
To train a service animal, it takes about 1.5 to 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. Positive reinforcement is used.
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
- Open or close doors
- Get items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding and Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
PAVE does not train or certify Veterans' dogs. Assistance Dogs International provides a list of organizations that provide this type of training.
The initial required qualifications are:
- Honorable discharge.
- Support provided by licensed health professionals for those with mental or physical disabilities.
- 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?
Paws Assisting Veterans(PAVE) is committed to providing Veterans with the support that 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 is available to assist you in every step of the PAVE process, from application to training camp to your new companion or 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.
Start your journey to PAVE by completing this 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.