Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
We’ve gathered the most common ones here to help you better understand our program, policies, and how you can get involved with Patriot PAWS.
No, we do not train personal dogs. To keep the wait time for a Service Dog as low as possible for our Veterans, we are unable to train dogs outside of our program. If you would like more information on how to train your personal dog, or you'd like to find an organization that might be able to help, visit assistancedogsinternational.org or karenpryoracademy.com.
No, we do not rehab dogs or assist in rehoming.
We selectively breed for optimal health, temperament, and trainability, ensuring each puppy is well-suited for the demands of service work. By building a comprehensive foundation in socialization and early training, we set each puppy on a path to success, preparing them for the life-changing role they will play in supporting the independence and well-being of our Veterans.
Though we can occasionally accept rescues into our training program, generally we do not accept rescues. When considering a rescue to be trained, we use trusted sources from our local rescues for recommendations on dogs that would potentially be a good fit for the program. To find an organization to potentially donate to a rescue, visit assistancedogsinternational.org.
We do not accept all rescue dogs due to the unknown history of the temperament, behavior, health, and overall background of the dog. It can be difficult to train out behaviors that the dog has already learned, and we still run the risk of default behaviors presenting themselves. Due to this, it would extend the already long potentially 2-3 year wait for our Veterans.
We primarily train Labrador Retrievers, along with Golden Retrievers, and Standard Poodles. Occasionally, we can accept other breeds, contingent upon a temperament test. We primarily use these breeds due to their natural retrieval instincts and their low protective drive.
We are unable to provide any documentation for any dog that is not an ADI Certified Service Dog from Patriot PAWS Service Dogs.
At Patriot PAWS, we are committed to maintaining a respectful, transparent, and supportive environment for all individuals connected to our organization. If you have a concern, grievance, or complaint regarding any aspect of your experience with Patriot PAWS, we encourage you to bring it to our attention.
To submit a complaint or express a concern, please contact us directly by:
Email: office@patriotpaws.org
Phone: (972) 772-3282
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Veteran FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our Service Dog program for Veterans, including eligibility, the application process, training, and ongoing support.
Patriot PAWS specializes in providing Service Dogs of the highest quality to military Veterans. To be eligible for a Service Dog, applicants must have a valid DD-214 indicating an honorable discharge from military service and a VA disability rating. Please note that the disability does not have to be combat-related. Patriot PAWS accepts applications from all 50 states in the US. Please click here to apply.
Patriot PAWS is a nonprofit organization registered under section 501(c)(3), and our service comes at no cost to the Veterans accepted into our Program.
However, please note that Veterans will need to cover their travel expenses to and from our Training Facility in Rockwall, TX. If you require additional resources to help with travel expenses, contact our Veteran Coordinators at (972) 772-3282.
The Patriot PAWS application process involves several steps. Firstly, our Veteran Team will carefully review the application and conduct a phone interview to gather more information about the applicant's disability or disabilities, as well as their living and working environment.
Once all necessary documentation has been completed, the application will be presented to the Veteran Committee for final approval. Upon acceptance into the program, our Veteran Team will remain in close communication with each Veteran to provide support, answer questions, and offer additional resources as needed. It’s important to note that the waiting period for a Service Dog is approximately 24-30 months, but this timeline is subject to change depending on various factors.
- A copy of your DD214, or equivalent for Reserve Component Veterans
- A VA compensation letter, such as an Annual Award Letter or Disability rating, which can be found on e-benefits
- A completed Medical History form, provided by your medical or mental health provider. Note that only medical histories completed by your healthcare provider will be accepted.
- Two Family Care Plan letters: the Veteran must provide the names and contact information of two individuals who have agreed to provide support to the Service Dog Team
- An employer letter
- A HIPAA Authorization for Release form
- An acknowledgement of Patriot PAWS’ right to approve or deny applications and to act in the best interest of their dogs.
At Patriot PAWS, we take great pride in our Veteran Committee, which comprises solely of Veterans and our founder, Lori Stevens. The committee works closely with our Veteran Coordinators and thoroughly reviews every application to ensure that we can meet the needs of each Veteran who applies.
In order to best meet the unique needs of our Veterans, we place them into a pool rather than a list. This approach allows us to prioritize those with more urgent needs, as availability of dogs can vary depending on each graduation. By maintaining a pool of qualified candidates, we can ensure that we are selecting the most appropriate match for each Veteran and their specific needs.
Please note that the time between being added to the pool and attending Graduation is approximately 24-30 months, but this timeline may change depending on various factors.
Our Service Dogs are trained to the highest standards, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and abilities necessary to help Veterans with a wide range of challenges.
During week one of our graduation process, you will be introduced to multiple fully trained Service Dogs and begin the matching process. At the end of the week, you will discover which service dog has chosen you as their lifelong companion.
During week one, you will be introduced to multiple fully trained Service Dogs and begin the matching process. At the end of the week, you will discover which Service Dog has chosen you as their lifelong companion.
Week two is when the bonding process between you and your Service Dog begins. As a Veteran and Service Dog team, you will work closely with one of our trainers to ensure that you have all the necessary knowledge for success.
After graduation, one of our professional trainers will visit you to ensure that your Service Dog is customized to meet your specific needs. We understand that each Veteran’s needs are unique, and our follow-up process is designed to ensure that you and your Service Dog have the tools and support necessary to continue on your journey of healing together.
Your plane ticket, gas, rental cars, etc., will all be contingent upon the time you arrive for graduation, as these costs fluctuate frequently.
If you require additional resources to help with travel expenses, please contact our Veteran Coordinators at (972) 772-3282.
At Patriot PAWS, completing the program and graduating with a Service Dog is just the beginning of our commitment to Veterans. We understand that the bond between a Veteran and their Service Dog is deeply meaningful, and the loss of a Service Dog can be challenging.
For this reason, we prioritize second placements for Veterans who have lost their partners and are ready for their next Service Dog. Our Veteran Coordinators remain in regular contact with every Veteran and Service Dog team, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive throughout their journey. No member of the Patriot PAWS Family walks this path alone.
Policy Transparency
We are committed to operating with integrity and accountability. Below are key policies that guide our governance and ensure public trust.