Since 2014
helping veterans
reclaim their lives
one dog at a time.
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.
Although I had originally acquired my dog Koda as a companion for my son, I recognized how much having a dog helped him. Then my husband saw a SD4V sign and encouraged me to check it out. For a couple months I experienced constant anxiety because I didn’t think Koda could do it. But getting through the first few months of training was key.
After I relocated within the SD4V service area, I was allowed to apply and be accepted into the program. It was then that my husband and I knew the past struggles to obtain a Service Dog were over.
Prior to military service, I was considered a “people person.” However, after serving almost two years in the Air Force as a Security Forces Apprentice, I became too anxious to interact. Now, after completing training with Kai, I am filled with pride and joy and able to comfortably mingle once again.
My name is Hannah Arbogast and I served over 8 years in the Air Force as a Firefighter and First Responder. I knew SD4V was the answer for me after an earlier graduate of the program encouraged me to consider it. After reviewing the SD4V website, I immediately went to the PAWS Animal Shelter in Anderson where a dog named Sirrine was waiting for me to adopt.
We rescue shelter dogs selected for the individual training needs and lifestyle of the Veteran.
In 8 months we graduate loyal working dogs and confident, skilled handlers. Veterans learn positive reinforcement training techniques that bring out the best in themselves & their dog.
Our training staff is here to support you. Our program trainers provide real-world service training, recognized professionally, through these certification organizations.
Sign up for the SD4V quarterly newsletter to get our latest news.
We will get back to you as soon as we can!
Follow us on