Veterans
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 towards 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 keep in regular contact with each Veteran/Service Dog team, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to thrive.
Testimonials
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.
Meet our Veteran Team
April Allison
Veteran Coordinator
(Marine Corps Veteran)
Lib Anderson
Veteran Coordinator
(Air Force Veteran)
Bonnie Hoard
Veteran Trainer
(Navy Veteran)