Service Dogs For Patriots

Veterans apply and, if qualified, begin training within weeks. Training occurs semi-weekly at the facility and in public environments. Trainers guide veterans in teaching their own dogs to perform tasks directly related to PTSD symptoms. Dogs must be over 18 months, non-aggressive, and already know basic obedience. Training includes public access skills and task work. No puppy training is offered.

Pricing Summary

All service dog training is provided free of charge to qualifying veterans. No fees are charged to participants.

Policies

Office hours are by appointment only. Voicemails are not regularly monitored. Veterans must be in ongoing PTSD therapy during training. Dogs must be spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations before training begins. No active-duty military or those in in-patient substance treatment are eligible.

Service Dogs For Patriots is a nonprofit organization that provides free service dog training to veterans with PTSD and service-related anxiety or depression. They pair veterans with rescued dogs over 18 months old and train them together as a team, with trainers acting as teachers to guide the veteran through the process. The program requires veterans to have a diagnosed condition, be honorably discharged, be in ongoing therapy, and live within 50 miles of Gainesville, Florida. Dogs must be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, non-aggressive, and already know basic obedience. The organization does not train puppies and does not provide boarding, grooming, or other pet services. Training occurs semi-weekly at their facility and in public settings, with no waitlist and training beginning within weeks of application approval.

All training is provided free of charge thanks to donors and sponsors. The organization also provides detailed information on federal and Florida service dog laws to help handlers understand their rights.

They do not serve active-duty military or individuals in active in-patient drug/alcohol treatment programs. Veterans without a dog can be connected with a rescue dog through their network.

The program focuses exclusively on service dog training for PTSD-related tasks, not general obedience or behavior modification for non-disabled owners.

Accomplishments

Provides free service dog training to veterans since founding; partners with local shelters and breeders to source dogs; recognized for helping veterans regain independence through canine partnerships.

How to Get Started!

Interested veterans must first review qualification requirements, then email servicedogatyour6@gmail.com to request an application. The application is short, and training begins within weeks of submission. No waitlist exists.