A Battle Worth Fighting
Roughly 20 veterans die by suicide every day, and K9s For Warriors is determined to change that. K9s For Warriors exists because of a fierce dedication to saving the lives of both veterans and rescue dogs. This program is backed by scientific research and empowers veterans who fought for our freedom to live a life of dignity and independence. Graduates of the program are able to live a life that they previously did not think was possible. Many have reunited with their families, gone back to school, found renewed enjoyment in life, and significantly reduced their medications.
What Drives Us
K9s For Warriors remains commited to ending veteran suicide, raising awareness for invisible disabilities, and creating policy level reform. We do this through our best-in-class support & service, expert training program, and cutting-edge research.
The Proof
Our Mission
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.
Learn More About Us
Worlds Largest Shelter to Service Program
Before it was widely accepted, K9s For Warriors believed in the power of Service Dogs to treat veterans service-connected traumas. Independent research, along with our own, validates the effectiveness of a K9 companion in preventing veteran suicide.
Learn about the Dog’s Journey to Service
I Live An Hour Away Can I Participate
First responders and veterans who are receiving a fully trained dog from us are eligible if they reside full-time in Texas. You will be responsible for any travel-related costs. You do not need to live close to our Cedar Park location.
For first responders and veterans interested in participating in the Train Your Own Service Dog model at no cost to you you must live within an hour’s drive of our Cedar Park location and be committed to meeting with us at our location on a weekly basis for 18 months.
What Is The Difference Between A Guide Dog And A Service Dog
A guide dog is trained to assist blind and visually impaired people by avoiding obstacles. A service dog is trained to help those with physical or hearing disabilities by alerting deaf and hearing impaired individuals to a variety of household sounds or by assisting in the performance of a wide variety of tasks depending on need and training .
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Whats Involved With Providing Service Dogs For Veterans
Finding or breeding, training, testing, and pairing an appropriate dog with a veteran is a costly and time-consuming process. According to Sheila OBrien, Chair of Assistance Dogs International North America and Special Advisor to Americas VetDogs, training and care for potential service dogs can range from $30,000 to $50,000. Initial training can take close to two years and then the veteran will need to continue training together with the dog, usually one to two times per week for up to another year or more.
Training includes work on general manners, scent training with samples of stress hormones collected from the veteran to alert them when the client becomes anxious, public access training, and specific tasks that are tailored to the veteran, says Michelle Nelson, CPDT-KA, Ph.D. of Paws Assisting Veterans . After pairing a dog with a veteran, PAVE offers lifelong follow-up with unlimited training and advice. We also do yearly home visits and re-accreditation testing for all working teams, she says.
Us Veterans Service Dogs
The Texas VFW is in partnership with the United States Veterans Service Dogs organization. They train and place dogs with veterans to help mitigate the affects of PTSD, mobility, and hearing complications from serving our country.
To learn more about the organization, donate or apply for a Veteran Service Dog, simply use the button below to navigate to their website.
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For The First Time The Va Is Helping Some Veterans With Ptsd Get Service Dogs
Congress has mandated a pilot program that will pay to train service dogs and place them in veterans homes.
By Chris Haxel, American Homefront ProjectNovember 12, 2021 9:45 amMilitary and Veterans’ Affairs
Chris Haxel / American Homefront
Army veteran Scot Pondelick said Venus, his PTSD service dog, has helped him feel more comfortable spending time in public and around groups of people.
From American Homefront Project:
For years, advocacy groups have said veterans experiencing PTSD could benefit from specially trained service dogs.
Now, with new research in hand and the backing of Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs is set to begin a pilot program that will put service dogs into the homes of veterans without cost.
The idea of a psychiatric service dogs is fairly new, emerging in the post-9/11 era.
The beginning of the field was largely driven by anecdotes and stories of how veterans were benefiting from their service dogs, said Kerri Rodriguez, a human-animal interaction researcher at Colorado State University.
Initially, VA officials were hesitant to support funding for service dogs due to a dearth of research. Congress mandated a study in 2010, but it was suspended twice due to problems with the dogs health and training.
The VA finally released its findings in 2020. That study, combined with other work by researchers such as Rodriguez, was promising.
That last point tracks with Scot Pondelicks experience.
Canine Companions For Independence At Baylor Scott & White Health Kinkeade Campus Expands To Enhance Quality Of Life For Those Who Have Served Our Country
IRVING, TX Canine Companions for Independence® at Baylor Scott & White Health Kinkeade Campus has expanded its training program to offer service dogs for veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder .
The campus in Irving is the third Canine Companions location in the United States to grow its programming to serve veterans with PTSD. More about Canine Companions® Veteran Initiative is available here.
The process to receive a Canine Companions assistance dog includes multiple steps. Veterans are invited to review the application information and contact Canine Companions if interested in applying.
Expansion of a Pilot Program
Canine Companions was selected to participate in a multi-year study with the Department of Veterans Affairs to train and place dogs with veterans with PTSD. With the knowledge gained from this study and its existing robust program of experienced volunteers, trainers, and staff, Canine Companions launched a successful controlled pilot program to expand its services to veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Following the pilot, Canine Companions opened a state-of-the-art training facility at its California training center to support veterans with PTSD and offer better support for veteran applicants. Since then, the program has expanded to the campus in New York and now to the campus in Irving.
Specially Trained Service Dogs
About Canine Companions for Independence
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Can I Train A Dog For My Child Who Has Autism
We require the handler of the dog to be at least 13 years old and able to be in-control of the dog when in public. A parent can train a dog for a child, but the child must be able to handle the service dog in public settings.
We have excellant family dog training classes for families who want thier dog to be well mannered and a positive aspect of their child’s life.
What Are The Emotional Benefits Of Having A Dog
Dogs can make great pets. Having a dog as a pet can benefit anyone who likes dogs, including people with PTSD. For example, dogs:
- Help bring out feelings of love.
- Are good companions.
- Take orders well when trained. This can be very comfortable for a Service member or Veteran who was used to giving orders in the military.
- Are fun and can help reduce stress.
- Are a good reason to get out of the house, spend time outdoors, and meet new people.
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Results For Members Serving Texas
*Facility located in Texas*Facility serving Texas
Canine Companions
7710 Las Colinas Ridge, Irving, Texas 75063
Assistance Dogs Trained:
Autism, Mobility, Other Medical, PTSD – Military
General Use / Other:
7710 Las Colinas Ridge, Irving, Texas 75063
Phone: 259-4700
Website:canine.org
Dog Alliance – Hounds for Heroes Service Dogs
The first step in applying for a service dog or the train your own service dog program is to attend our online information seminar. After the seminar, you will be sent a link to schedule a time for a private consultation. Texas disabled veterans and first responders attend for $10.
1321 W. New Hope Drive Cedar Park, TX 78613
What Is A Psychiatric Service Dog
A service dog receives extensive training to perform one or more specific tasks for someone with a disability. The task must relate directly to the disability and be something their handler would be unable to do for themselves. A service dog is also trained to maintain safe behavior in public. Unlike therapy dogs and emotional support animals , service dogs are highly trained.
Psychiatric service dogs receive training to perform tasks that help people with mental or emotional disorders. For example, a PSD trained to assist someone with social anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may act as a physical barrier in social situations. These dogs may block strangers from coming too close, preventing a panic attack. Other PSDs may perform deep pressure therapy to reduce anxiety and stress.
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How Much Does It Cost
The cost to train your own service dog is dependent on multiple factors, including:
Our program includes online and in-person classes, outings, in-person multi-day workshops, private lessons, assistance in selecting and testing a dog, and support after you pass the task and public access test. The goal is to meet with you weekly for 18 – 20 months. Many participants meet with one of our professional service dog instructors twice a week. If your dog is dismissed from the program within 6 months, you can restart another dog at no additional cost. The program is customized for you and your dog. An application is required. As an Assistance Dogs International candidate level member, we adhere to high industry standards.
Scholarships are available for Texas veterans and first responders who qualify.
Civilians are welcome to join our program that includes support and training for the service life of the dog. We have a package available for $10,000 for in-person training and testing for the service life of the dog. This packate reflects a discount.
A pay by the class option is also available. To determine the best approach for you, please attend the Service Dog seminar and meet with our program counselors.
For Some Veterans Coming Home As A Civilian Is Only The Beginning Of Another Daunting Battle
American Humanes Pups4Patriots program finds dogs in search of forever homes and trains them to be lifesaving service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injury. All dogs are trained according to American Humanes new service dog standards an approach developed by a Scientific Advisory Committee of scientists, veteran experts, mental health professionals, animal welfare specialists, veterinarians, dog trainers and other key advocates. These standards are designed to maximize the efficacy of the service dog as a treatment method for veterans with PTS and TBI. American Humane offers exceptionally trained service dogs to veterans in need, at no cost to the veteran, and oversees intensive hands-on training sessions to cultivate the important connection between the veteran and his or her new service dog. Creating a welcoming environment conducive to this bonding process is crucial to the success of our program.
PUPS4PATRIOTS PROGRAM
For many brave members of our nations armed forces, coming home as a civilian is only the beginning of another daunting battle. The invisible wounds of war, including PTS and TBI, can cause debilitating symptoms in veterans, leading to depression, social isolation and, far too often, suicide.
Our program is made possible through the generous support of donors.
National Standards for PTS Service Dogs
More Military Initiatives:
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Our Duty Is To Restore Freedom Dignity And Independence To The Men And Women Who Served Us Selflessly
Although many of our veterans have left the battlefield physically, the emotional and physical tolls of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury persist. We are losing far too many veterans and first responders to suicide on a daily basis. Our mission is to provide these men and women with highly trained service dogs at no cost to them. Together, we can save lives!
How Have Service Dogs Changed The Lives Of Veterans
Service dogs are literally and figuratively opening doors for veterans, allowing them to socialize, go back to work, and even travel. Unlike emotional support animals who dont go through the rigorous training process that service dogs do, these dogs are always well-behaved and allowed by law into most places that other dogs are not, like the workplace.
One of our early veterans who could barely come to a meeting due to anxiety has become a veteran advocate and passed legislature in Massachusetts to help veterans needing immediate medical attentionoften for suicidewhen the VA was not available, says Barney.
A veteran who Americas VetDogs paired with a service dog had his life changed when that dog helped alleviate his night terrors, balance issues, and hypervigilance. Never a fan of public speaking, he now regularly speaks on behalf of the organization, says OBrien.
Another veteran, Peter Bannon, served as a combat infantryman, including tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Performing duties in service to his country has left him with severe PTSD, says Coleman. Pawsitivity Service Dogs paired him with a black Labrador Retriever named Daniel. Peter reports that, after training with Daniel, the relationship has made it possible for him to spend time in public and in his workplace with increased security and confidence.
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Getting A Service Dog In Texas
Before starting the search for psychiatric service dogs, you may choose to consult with your physician or licensed mental healthcare provider. Assess your needs and determine how a service dog could address them.
You can obtain a service dog by:
Penalties For And Damages Resulting From Discrimination
- A person, including a firm, association, corporation, or other public or private organization, or the agent of the person, who violates the above provisions, commits an offense. An offense is a misdemeanor punishable by:
- a fine of not more than $300 and
- 30 hours of community service for a governmental entity or nonprofit organization that primarily serves persons with disabilities or for another entity or organization at the discretion of the court, to be completed in one year.
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Apply For A Pave Service Dog
Are you ready to regain your independence?
Our team is ready to support you through the PAVE process from application to training camp with your new companion and service dog. Dedicated to facilitating your new and better life, we provide tailored training and lifelong support with access to professional advice from our specialist dog trainers. There is no charge for your service dog, training, or ongoing support.
Start your journey with PAVE by completing the simple contact form.
We look forward to speaking with you.
Welcome To Service Dog Express
The connection between a Service Dog and its handler is truly life-transforming. At Service Dog Express, our motto of A dogs life saved, a humans life enriched is lived everyday by clients, Service Dogs, and trainers.
We believe that the animal-human bond is an absolutely indisputable part of emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical healing. We seek to make this healing available through the provision of Service Dog training for all who experience invisible or visible disabilities, regardless of financial or other challenges that might discourage them from seeking this invaluable resource. At Service Dog Express, we train with the utmost of integrity and professionalism, even though our costs are much lower than the national average for Service Dog training. The reason behind this is simple: our goal is to provide our services to all who are suffering regardless of income.
Service Dog Express specializes in the training of Service Dogs for both Wounded Warriors and Civilians. Many of our clients are Wounded Warriors suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury . However, PTSD affects non-military affiliated people, as well. An estimated 7.7 million adult Americans experience PTSD at some point in their lives. In addition, at least 262,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have sought PTSD treatment.
Please visit to read about our associate trainers. We can be found in the following areas:
Texas:
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