Patriot Paws

Veterans

 

Apply For A Service Dog

A Service For Those Who Served

Our Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving our country. However, they often return home with debilitating physical and emotional injuries that prevent them from leading the lives they deserve. At Patriot PAWS, we understand the importance of restoring independence to these brave men and women. Our mission is to provide the highest quality Service Dogs, free of cost, to Veterans with mobile disabilities, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). We are committed to supporting our Veterans on their journey towards independence and providing assistance to those brave enough to take the first step.

Apply

To begin the process, the first step is to complete our Service Dog Application. This application provides us with essential information about your needs and situation, allowing us to better match you with the ideal Service Dog. Our application is designed to be straightforward and easy to understand; Our team is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have during the application process.

Connect

Once you have submitted your Service Dog Application, our Veteran Coordinators will reach out to you promptly. They will guide you through the rest of the application process, providing assistance every step of the way.

Veteran Committee

Our Veteran Committee consists entirely of veterans, alongside our founder Lori Stevens. We are dedicated to providing Service Dogs of the highest quality that meet the specific needs of each individual Veteran. As such, our Veteran Committee carefully reviews every Service Dog Application to ensure that we can provide the best match possible.

Communicate

If accepted into our program, our Veteran Coordinators will continue to work closely with you throughout the entire process, up until the moment you are ready to meet your new Service Dog Companion. They will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have, providing guidance and support every step of the way.

Train

At Patriot PAWS, we have a unique understanding of the challenges that Veterans with mobile disabilities, PTS, and TBI face daily basis. That is why we have developed a comprehensive, 2 week on-campus training program designed to provide veterans with high-quality service dogs that can make a real difference in their lives. 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, 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/service dog team, you will work closely with one of our professional trainers to ensure that you have all the necessary knowledge to be a successful Team.

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.

Life Long Support

Completing the program and graduating from Patriot PAWS does not mark the end of the journey toward a life of independence. Instead, it is a significant step forward, and we are committed to providing lifelong support and guidance to Veterans who have joined the Patriot PAWS Family. Our Veteran Coordinators regularly contact each Veteran/Service Dog team, ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive.

In addition, we prioritize second placements for Veterans who have previously received a service dog from us, lost their companion, and are ready to continue their journey with a new dog. This commitment reflects our dedication to honoring the enduring bond between Veterans and their service dogs, ensuring no member of our family navigates the path alone.

Testimonials

“Initially, I believed that another person was more deserving of having a dog than myself. However, looking back, I regret waiting so long to get one because having a Goose has significantly improved my happiness. Goose has become a source of motivation for me to be more active and get outside. Having him has given me a sense of purpose and he has become my best friend.”

Derrick & Goose

Before I got Glory on June 23, 2021, I didn’t want to leave my house. I was content to sit at home in my chair and order stuff online and having it delivered so I didn’t have to leave my house. I was isolating myself. But now, I am able to leave the house. I focus on her, my best friend, instead of my surroundings. Glory allows me to pause and think whereas before I would react and run from troubling situations. Now, I love going to Bass Pro. I love being able to get rest. And more importantly, I love that my stress is lower because of Glory. She has changed my life. She gave me my life back.”

Stan & Glory

“Before chopper I would medicate myself to deal with social activities of any kind.  I hadn’t been to a store in over a year, depending on Instacart and delivery services.  Flights were the worst, and that is basically my entire job.  With chopper he headbutts me when he knows I’m nervous, or brings me one of his million stuffed animals (he grabs my socks if he somehow cant find one).  He is a pro at traveling now, waiting at the scanners, and being at work with me.  I am so much more open with him around, leading to a better work/life balance even though almost everyone tries to sneak him treats.”

 

Jeremy & Chopper

“If I had never been paired up with Tango, I would still be struggling, hurting and alone. He has changed my life incredibly, especially with the bond that we’ve made with one another. He makes me feel safe, truly safe.”

Mike & Tango

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify for a Service Dog?

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. It is important to note that the disability does not have to be combat related. Patriot PAWS accepts applications from all 50 states in the US. Please apply by clicking here.

What is the cost of a Service Dog?

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, it is important to 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, please contact our Veteran Coordinators at 972-772-3282.

What is the application process like?

The Patriot PAWS application process involves several steps. Firstly, our Veteran Team will carefully review the application and conduct a phone interview with the Veteran applicant to gather more information about their disability or disabilities, as well as their living and working environment. This information is vital in enabling us to determine whether we can provide a Service Dog that will best meet the specific needs of each Veteran. 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 any 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.

What documents are required with the application?

After submitting your initial application, you will receive a link to access additional required documents. These documents are necessary to complete the application process and include:

 

  • 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.
What role does the Veteran Committee have in the application process?

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.

Am I placed on a waiting list?

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.

It’s important to note that the time between being added to the pool and attending Graduation is approximately 24-30 months, but this timeline is subject to change depending on various factors.

Can I choose or bring my own Dog?

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.

What is the 2 week training process like?

At Patriot PAWS, we have a unique understanding of the challenges that Veterans with mobile disabilities, PTS, and TBI face daily basis. That is why we have developed a comprehensive, 2 week on-campus training program designed to provide veterans with high-quality service dogs that can make a real difference in their lives. 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, 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/service dog team, you will work closely with one of our professional trainers to ensure that you have all the necessary knowledge to be a successful Team.

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.

What is the cost/expenses during the 2 week training process?

Your plane ticket, gas, rental cars etc., will all be contingent upon the time you are here 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.

What happens when my Service Dog passes away?

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 Service Dog, and are ready for their next Service Dog. Our team of Veteran Coordinators remains in regular contact with every Veteran-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.

Meet our Veteran Team

April Allison

Veteran Coordinator

(Marine Corps Veteran)

Lib Anderson

Veteran Coordinator

(Air Force Veteran)

Bonnie Hoard

Veteran Trainer

(Navy Veteran)

Our Veteran Service Dog Teams

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A man sitting next to his dog on the ground. Man with dog and American flag in background. Man with glasses and dog in front of American flag. A woman and her dog pose for the camera.
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