SINCE 2014

Helping

Veterans

Reclaim their lives, one dog at a time

dogs are

companions

you can recover & won't be alone

a future

of hope

write a new chapter, begin healing & recovery

Assessment

Recovery

Healing

For some, the battle is not over. The sights, the sounds, the smells still haunt the minds of many of our Nation’s Heroes.

SD4V provides a unique training program for Veterans to train their own Service Dog, to help them cope with the pain of loss, the nightmare of memory, and the loneliness of survival.

This training helps to build strong ADA-compliant Service Dog Teams that positively impact the quality of life of the Veteran, and their Dog.

Scroll below to see what success in the SD4V Program looks like. These Veterans have experienced recovery and healing throughout their journey.

Graduated

Service Dog Teams

Trent & Sam

After experiencing symptoms of PTSD after serving in the Air Force, I was struggling with a lack of desire to go out, and I recognized a change was needed. Any unknown is scary, so I was nervous about starting the program, but I was also determined and hopeful. My dog Sam, a 6 month old Sheepadoodle, was excited and easily distracted at the beginning of training, but has calmed down and performed well going through the program. For example, Sam was initially scared of the agility equipment, but during one class he climbed up on the donut, and he never looked back or was scared of anything new presented in class. That was similar to my own experience as well.

Matt & Pippi

My name is Matt and I served in Military Intelligence for the Army from 1998-2020. I had tours in Kosovo, Iraq, and several in Afghanistan. After seeing the impact service dogs had on the lives of my friends who have them, I felt the SD4V program would help me to combat the anxiety I felt while in crowds or speaking in public, and eliminate the need for me to sit facing the door in a restaurant. Cassidy rescued the perfect dog for me, a one year old Labradoodle I named ‘Pippi’.

DeShawn & Sasha

My name is Deshawn and I served as a Cargo Specialist in the Army from 2007-2011 and was deployed to Afghanistan/Kabul/Kuwait and Russia during my service. I learned about SD4V from the sign at the end of the road by the Training Center. Initially I was scared and nervous to begin the program, but also ready to take on a new challenge to get help for my disability. I was unsure if the program would help; however, it has been a life-changing experience, and I am proud of my accomplishments.

Clay & Lucky

My name is Clay and I served as a Nuclear Weapons Technician in the Navy from 1960-1966. I learned about the SD4V training program from conversations with graduates Gary and Steve. In spite of my initial concern regarding the length of the training, and uncertainty about how I would be involved, I was pleasantly surprised. My 2yr old rescue Labradoodle ‘Lucky’ and I enjoyed the training, and it went quickly. I was surprised at how many different exercises and tasks Lucky and I learned. Also it was nice seeing how well all the dogs in my class got along.
New
PROGRAM

Looking for more success stories?

138

Graduate Service Dog Teams

51

Graduated Companion Dog Teams

50

%

Avg. Symptom Reduction
Sheppard dog laying down looking up with beautiful green eyes Shepard Collie Mix Breed

Healing Walk

for all Veterans

What you need to know

Reduce your symptoms

After 8 months of living with your dog, being trained to train & bond with your own dog, and graduating as an ADA compliant Service Dog Team - Veterans can expect on average a 48% reduction* in their significant life limiting symptoms!

Lasting Impact

We encourage and welcome any and all involvement from the Veteran’s family and friends. Throughout all three phases, the Veteran will be assisted by a Veteran Advocate for support and encouragement.

Low out-of-pocket cost

With the generosity of our donors, 98% of the costs are paid through scholarships resulting in very modest out-of-pocket costs to the Veteran.

WHY CHOOSE US

How can we help?

We rescue shelter dogs selected for the indiviual training needs and lifestyle of the Veteran.

Our Journey's

Veterans learn positive reinforcement training techniques that bring out the best in themselves & their dog.

In 3 Months we graduate focused companion dogs and confident, skilled handlers.

In 8 Months we graduate loyal service dogs and confident, skilled handlers.

Where is SD4V located?

We are located in Greenville, South Carolina, serving Veterans in Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, & Georgia.

Typically, any veteran within a 2-hour, or less, driving distance can enter the program.

Who is eligible to apply?

SD4V’s program is provided for Veterans and active military regardless of the era in which served. Applicants must have a verified clinical diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or MST to qualify for the program.

What is expected from the Veteran?

The Veteran will attend a weekly one-hour day-time or evening group class. Family members are urged to attend as well. The Veteran will keep a daily training log. The benefit is the family knows what the dogs know. Companion Dog program is a duration of three months. The Service Program is an additional five months, for a total of an eight-month program.

Can my dog become a Service Dog?

Yes! The Veteran’s dog will be considered. This will be discussed during the intake process. We provide a complete wellness check-up by our veterinarian.

Where do the program dogs come from?

Our goal is to use 100% local shelter and rescue dogs.

Dogs are selected and vetted based on the individual training needs and lifestyle requirements of the Veteran.

We provide a complete wellness check-up by our veterinarian.

The relationship between a well-trained dog and a Veteran can be LIFE-CHANGING.

,,

Email Us!

communityoutreach@sd4v.org

We will get back to you as soon as we can!

Follow us on