Save a Veteran. Save a Dog. Save Two Lives.
for both the veteran and the service dog
Our veterans volunteered to serve and protect our freedom, we now serve to help them regain theirs through a wholistic approach focused on mind, body, spirit and relationship building. We utilize rescue dogs at every opportunity with no financial burden to the veteran, ever, through a continuum of care. This disciplined approach provides the opportunity for our dogs to assist veterans in their healing journey, challenging them daily to be the best version of themselves.
Why a Service Dog
Why a service dog, besides the obvious, why not? Many veterans express they are not deserving of a service dog, as another veteran. While the wounds of every veteran are different, some visible and some invisible, they are equally relevant to support from a service dog. We believe and from our experience, for those who have honorably served our country and chose to do what most of us did not, without a doubt a service dog will enhance your life.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health NAMI “Dogs force us to be more social. For those of us who suffer from social anxiety, dogs can act as a ‘buffer’ in social settings. Dogs give us a reason to talk to new people and interact with others, especially face to face, which can ease the symptoms of depression.” As well as “petting a dog can increase dopamine and serotonin levels, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals our brain releases that improve mood and affect happiness.”
Service dogs come with responsibility, which can be a good thing. Taking care of your service dog adds purpose beyond one’s self. Coming from the brotherhood of our service branches to civilian life has been described to us as lonely. You are never alone with your Dogs for our Brave service dog by your side.
Training Overview
OUR DOGS GO THROUGH A
FIVE-PHASE TRAINING PROGRAM
Foundation
Mind, Body, Spirit, Relationship activities every day, in all phases of training.
PHASE I
Canine Good Citizen
PHASE II
Community Canine
(Canine Good Citizen Advanced)
PHASE III
Urban Canine Good Citizen
PHASE IV & V
The veteran pairing process portion
of our training program, where the dog'sadditional skills are matched to their veteran's specific mobility and other needs.
What to Expect
Dogs For Our Brave provides the opportunity for a professionally trained service dog to assist a veteran with significant mobility based needs.
The veteran must be capable of executing the daily discipline required to maintain the welfare and skillsets of the service dog provided to maintain ongoing service dog industry and DFOB standards.
Eligibility requirements:
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Significant mobility needs that impact daily life
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Honorably discharged, with DD214 verification
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Availability for in-person interview and home screening
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Willingness and desire to learn and adhere to our dog-handler curriculum and standards, including annual recertifications.
On average, placement of a service dog can take between one to two years.
To begin the screening process, please complete our Veteran Introduction Form.