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Service Dog Providers for Veterans

One thing to always remember when seeking a service dog -
GOOD ORGANIZATIONS DO NOT CHARGE YOU ANY MONEY AT ALL, EVEN AN APPLICATION FEE.

“A pet is a medication without side effects that has so many benefits. I can't always explain it myself, but for years now I've seen how instances of having a pet is like an effective drug. It really does help people.” Dr. Edward Creagan, Oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Vets Adopt Pets has researched many service dog providers and believe the following are true to their word about providing you with a qualified service dog. We have contacted them by email and or phone, have made referrals to some that were specific to peoples needs.

Due to the large volume of Veterans needing Service Dogs, some organizations now have a very long waiting list for a Service Dog. Some of our referrals have received a dog within weeks, we suggest you tell them you are referred by Vets Adopt Pets.org. I honestly believe they work their tails off for you, but it doesn't hurt to let them know they were referred.

Some are very small and you must go to them, which is great if you are in their area. If they need you to provide your own transportation & lodging - there may be a way to have that paid for via various military branch support systems. We will first suggest organizations that cover all the expenses for you if their training fits your needs.

I know it can be overwhelming to seek help sometimes, especially when in discomfort. Most organizations prefer you fill out their applications first, but it is perfectly acceptable to call and talk to them first. Always feel free to call us to discuss your needs. Also, when you are ready, read up on Service Dog Legalities.

I doubt this will happen from our list, but if you feel uncomfortable with any organization, please call in and give us their name! We can also direct you to other resources.

We are providing this list in good faith, however we have no actual working relationship with these organization aside from some delightful conversations and sense they are good. You decide which one best suits your needs.

New criteria may be needed for recognized service dog organizations to be accredited by the ADI - Assistance Dogs International tor admittance on bases and VA property. Ask if they are accredited with ADI, otherwise, down the road your dog may not be allowed on above property.

Costich, Vietnam War veteran, and his service dog, Bandit, prepare for their weekly hour-long training session.

"He senses when I'm having nightmares, and will wake me up [by nuzzling] me." Costich explained.

ACTIVE DUTY

FREEDOM DOGS

3639 Midway Drive, Suite 376
San Diego, CA 92110
(619)223-6574

(Service/Intake and Administration)

Freedom Dogs is based in Southern California and is currently working exclusively with the Marines at the Wounded Warrior Battalion - West on Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA.

HAWAII FI-DO

PO Box 757
Kahuku, Hawaii 96731
Phone: 808 638-0200
hifido@hawaii.rr.com

Provides a therapeutic program with the Army Wellness Program on the North Shore and Marines USMC barracks. In addition, provides service dog information, training, education, and placement after discharge. Must be Hawaii for 1 year after discharge to insure training. Wait List.

WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION

Veterans train service dogs for other Veterans

AW2 COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK SERVICE DOG ORGANIZATIONS The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. Each organization listed in the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program AW2 Community Support Network offers services that are either covered by insurance or free to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and Families are encouraged to contact these organizations directly for more information about the services they offer.
	America's VetDogs America’s VetDogs trains and provides guide dogs for Veterans who are blind or visually impaired, service dogs for Veterans and active duty personnel with disabilities other than blindness, combat stress relief dogs for in-theater deployment, and therapy dogs to provide physical and emotional therapy services at select military and VA hospitals. Canine Companions for Independence Canine Companions for Independence provides professionally trained assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities. The specially-bred Labradors and Golden Retrievers help with everything from turning on lights to getting cash from an ATM. Now, through Canine Companions Wounded Veterans Initiative, assistance dogs are available to Veterans with physical disabilities resulting from military service, free of charge. Canines for Service Canines for Veterans, a program of Canines for Service, is a national program that provides Veterans with disabilities quality trained service dogs. The program works with military prisoners teaching them how to train rescue dogs as service dogs for the wounded and injured Veterans. Known as the “triple win” the Canines for Veterans program has twice been awarded a Newman’s Own Award for program innovations support our military and their families and has recently been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program. Service dogs are provided to qualified recipients at no cost to the recipient.		Freedom Service Dogs Freedom Service Dogs’ mission is to acquire and train dogs that have the potential to successfully undergo and complete the rigorous seven- to ten-month training that allows them to assist people with disabilities, thus increasing their independence and peace of mind. They focus on donating these animals to disabled military Veterans to help restore some normalcy to their difficult lives. Virtually all Freedom Service Dogs are rescued from shelters. Up to a year wait. K-9S for Veterans, Inc. Contact Pam 813-503-8861(paper/appts) Mike at 727-692-7101 (dog info). K-9s for Veterans help disabled Veterans by providing obedient dogs for their invisible disorders such as PTSD, balance issues, seizures and more. Located in Tampa, Florida, Veterans come for a two week stay and leave with an understanding of how to cope with the world and PTSD at the same time with the help of a well-trained service dog. The trainer is a combat Marine of Vietnam with PTSD. Semper Fi. We have a short 2-3 month wait for our dogs. New Horizons Service Dogs, Inc. New Horizons Service Dogs, Inc. (NHSDI) fosters relationships between service dogs and disabled Florida Veterans for a lifetime of unconditional love, mobility, and independence. Now in its 14th year, NHSDI has served over 200 clients in the state of Florida, several of whom were Veterans with disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and a multitude of severe orthopedic conditions.		Service Dog Project, Inc. The Service Dog Project, Inc. is dedicated to donating large service and balance assistance dogs to those with mobility impairments, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. The program specially breeds, raises, and trains Great Danes for a variety of tasks to provide the highest quality of service and support.Service Area - East Coast - New England area. Patriot Paws Service Dogs Patriot Paws Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that trains and donates service dogs for disabled Veterans. Service dogs are able to assist physically disabled individuals to accomplish daily tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Each dog is customized to the individual needs of the owner. Paws4Vets Paws4Vets’ primary mission is to train and provide qualified individuals with certified assistance dogs custom trained to fit their individual requirements and needs. Currently, placements will be considered in the nine Mid Atlantic states we have a presence. (VA, WV, OH, PA, MD, NC, SC, GA, FL).
	Train a Service Dog
			Psychiatric Service Dog Society Psychiatric Service Dog Society (PSDS) assists Veterans with disabilities who choose to train their own psychiatric service dogs. PSDS provides information, coaching, and online communities for Veterans to network and learn about training their own assistance dogs. We have not spoke with these folks, but they only provide information for you.

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