Veteran Service Dog Program
Our Veteran Service Dog grant application is open!
Our Veteran Service Dog program pairs rescue dogs with Veterans in and around the Albuquerque, NM area living with service connected trauma. This intensive 12-24 month program is unique as the Veteran trains their own dog, building the bond of trust and connection early in the process. There is also no cost to the Veteran removing a big barrier for many. Through this program we are able to save two lives at a time. Rescue dogs get a second chance and Veterans regain the confidence and independence they need to live a life beyond their PTSD diagnosis.
Our Process
A step by step guide to how the process works for the Veteran Service Dog application and program.
Fill out the application.
Applications for the Veterans Service Dog program are only accepted during open grant cycles. All applications are filled out online and then reviewed by our team to determine all levels of basic eligibility are met and the required time commitments are available.
Info session attendance.
This is a group information session attended by other eligible applicants. During this info session our team will go over the program in depth and answer additional questions. These info sessions are required and provide an opportunity to make sure the Veteran Service Dog program is a good fit.
Client goal setting meeting.
Next our team will have a goal setting meeting to ensure the needs you have for your service dog are met with proper individualized training. Your care plan while in the program will also be discussed including ongoing mental health counseling and other services as needed.
Interview with our team.
If you application is deemed eligible, a member of our team will contact you for an interview. This is an opportunity for our team to ask more questions about the responses on your application, go over the program qualifications, and answer any questions you may have.
Verifications and assessments.
Our team will then verify your income, run a background check, do an in home visit to assess your home’s environment, and you will have a clinical and physical therapy assessment. This is done for our accreditation as a service dog trainer, to maintain grant eligibility, and to ensure program readiness.
Offer acceptance and pairing.
The final step is your acceptance of the requirements to complete the program, the time commitments needed, and then being paired with a rescue dog to begin training. Training can last anywhere from 12-24 months and requires multiple in office visits for one on one training, group classes, and support.