United States Veterans Service Dogs

USVSD provides an intensive, facility-based service dog training program that includes dog selection, task-specific training tailored to the veteran’s disability, team training between veteran and dog, and ongoing post-placement support. The program lasts several months and culminates in graduation and lifelong partnership. Veterans must apply and be approved through a formal portal before being matched with a dog.

Pricing Summary

Service dogs are provided at no cost to qualified veterans. Funding comes entirely from donations and corporate sponsorships. No fees are charged to veterans for training, placement, or ongoing support.

United States Veterans Service Dogs (USVSD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and placing service dogs with U.S. veterans to help mitigate the effects of PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other physical or mental disabilities. Their service dogs are specifically trained to assist veterans with tasks such as grounding during anxiety attacks, providing physical support for mobility, interrupting nightmares, and creating personal space in public settings. The organization was founded in 2018 by Cody Bellanger and focuses exclusively on veterans, ensuring each dog is matched to an individual’s unique needs. While they do not offer general dog training to the public, their program provides comprehensive, long-term support for veterans who qualify, including ongoing follow-up and resources. Their training is conducted in-house at their facilities, and they do not offer private, group, or in-home training services to non-veteran dog owners.

USVSD’s unique advantage lies in their specialized focus on military veterans and their deep understanding of the invisible wounds of war. They provide fully trained service dogs at no cost to qualified veterans, funded entirely through donations and corporate sponsorships. Their program includes a rigorous application process, personalized dog matching, and post-placement support to ensure long-term success.

They do not offer training services to the general public, pet owners, or non-veterans. Their mission is exclusively centered on serving those who have served in the U.S. military.

Accomplishments

Over 500 highly trained service dogs have been placed with veterans since 2018. The organization has been supported by corporate sponsors and hosts an annual telethon to raise funds and awareness. Graduates report significant improvements in mental health, mobility, and independence.

How to Get Started!

Veterans must complete an online application through the USVSD portal at https://portal.usvsd.org/. After submission, applicants are reviewed for eligibility based on military service and disability needs. Approved applicants are placed on a waiting list and matched with a trained service dog when one becomes available.