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

Shane & Roo

Initially it was crazy thinking I would be training my own service dog as I was unsure whether the idea and the program really were for me. However, as classes progressed and the closer I got to my rescue German Shepherd dog Roo, the realization hit me – YES, it was for me!

Ella & Maison

My journey has been tough but since my rescued Mini Aussie-Doodle Maison and I have graduated as a Service Dog team, I now feel relief, especially since I have a history of starting things and not finishing them. It was absolutely worth the time and effort. I’m proud of Maison and of myself.

Charles & Zane

Although I heard about the program from a previous graduate, I had doubts. I had no concerns about my dog; I just didn’t know what to expect from the program, and I was unsure how it would be for Zane and me.

Andy & Vampyra

Beginning the training program was a challenge because I was stubborn, and my German Shepherd Vampyra was young. Clearly it was going to be difficult. Therefore, it was quite a process getting her ready for training, and once involved we required some additional time during classes. But once I was able to keep her focused, we learned a lot of things. Now that I can read her, I know exactly what’s going on.
New
PROGRAM

Looking for more success stories?

151

Graduate Service Dog Teams

51

Graduated Companion Dog Teams

52

%

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 50% 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.

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