Service Dogs For Veterans Yakima, WA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Yakima, WA free of charge with lifetime support.
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 is estimated that 1 out 5 suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among the nearly 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. Our purpose at PAVE is to help more Veterans access the benefits of service dogs. Through personalized training and lifetime support, PAVE makes a 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 physical disabilities experience an array of complex and chronic symptoms like nightmares, difficulty socializing, depression, 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
- Increase your sleep quality and quantity
- Increase your daily independence
- Positive social interactions can be increased
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce medication use
- Enhance the Veteran's quality of life and positive outlook
- Assistance with daily tasks
- 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.
- Have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD, MST, TBI, or need for certain physical help.
- Currently receiving treatment from a supportive provider.
- You can attend our training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon and arrange your transportation and accommodation.
- You currently live in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
- Can provide for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of a dog.
- 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 organizations that specialize in these areas, please see ADI.
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). For organizations who specialize in these areas, please visit 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 organizations are currently accredited members.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PAVE is funded by private donations, corporate donations, foundation funding, and grants.
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 pays for the service dog, training and support, as well as the initial equipment and supplies worth over $1,500.
A service dog can take between 1.5-2 years to train.
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 have consistently been successful in service dog work regarding aptitude, temperament, and work ethic.
As soon as the dogs join our program!
PAVE dogs are trained by certified, professional dog trainers specializing in service dogs. They use positive reinforcement methods.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to the specific disability needs of the individual Veteran. They may perform the following tasks depending on the Veteran's particular needs:
- 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 lists several organizations that offer this kind of training.
The following qualifications are required for the first time:
- Honorable discharge.
- Licensed health professional ongoing support appropriate for the mental and/or physical disabilities.
- Housing and financial stability to provide for the well-being of the service dog.
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?
Paws Assisting Veterans, (PAVE), is committed to providing Veterans the support and care they deserve. We proudly provide service dogs free of charge to Veterans. Veterans can lead a happy, independent life with the help of service dogs who have been trained to perform specific tasks.
Apply for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain independence?
Our team is here to help you with the entire PAVE process. From application to training camp, we will support you and your new companion/service dog. We are dedicated to helping you live a better and more fulfilling life. Our trainers can provide professional advice and tailored training. 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.