General
When was Valor Service Dogs founded?
We were founded in October of 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Who do we help?
We place service dogs with veterans and first responders in all 50 States. Please see our eligibility requirements below for more details.
How can I help?
DONATE
Financial contributions can be made via PayPal or check.
Goods can be donated using our Amazon Wishlist
Airline miles can be donated by contacting us directly at Emelie@valorservicedogs.org
Professional Services can be donated by contacting us directly at Emelie@valorservicedogs.org
Host a fundraiser via Facebook for your birthday, wedding, anniversary etc.
Host a Toy, Treat & Supply Drive - contact us for details
VOLUNTEER
Become a Puppy Coach: Raise a future service dog for us!
Become a Puppy Sitter: fill in when the Puppy Coaches are traveling or need help
Where are you located?
Our head quarters are located in Tampa, FL. We also have a training site in Valdosta, GA.
Dogs
How many dogs get added to the program each year?
We add between 5-8 puppies to our training program each year.
How many dogs do we graduate each year?
At this time, we graduate 4-8 dogs each year.
Who trains the dogs?
We have two part-time trainers on our team.
What breeds do you work with?
We work with golden retrievers and labs that we get from other service dog organizations or breeders.
How old are the dogs when they are placed with a veteran?
Between 1.5-2 years old.
What are your dogs trained to do?
Our dogs are trained for PTSD and/or mobility support. PTSD service dogs are taught to recognize signs of stress and anxiety and then interrupt those negative emotions by initiating contact with their handler. This allows the veteran or first responder to work through those negative emotions in a more positive way. Mobility service dogs are taught to turn on and off lights, act as a brace, find and retrieve items, pull wheelchairs, open and close doors and any additional tasks specific to a persons unique mobility needs.
What are the dogs NOT trained to do?
Seizure and diabetes alert
Recognize or manage undesirable human behaviors
Guard
Protect
Search for threats
Aggressive responses
Do you use rescues?
No
Do you accept dog donations?
We accept dog donations (golden retrievers and labs only) from breeders that meet our standards. We can only accept dogs that are between 8-12 weeks old. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us directly.
I already have a dog, can you train it to be a service dog?
No, we do not provide that service.
What types of working dogs do you place?
We place mobility and PTSD support service dogs and PTSD facility dogs. If we determine that a dog cannot graduate with public access then we will place it as a Family Support dog.
How long can dogs work?
We expect our dogs to work until they are around 10-11 years old. After that, they can retire into the pet life.
Applicants
How can I apply for a service dog?
Our application process starts on our website. Follow this link to submit your request for an application packet.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Follow this link to our Apply for Dog page to learn about our requirements.
What does your application process entail?
First you will request an application packet via our online request form. Once you return a completed application packet it will be reviewed our Behavioral Health Consultant. After the application is reviewed, she will interview you and your medical provider. Our Executive Director/Director of Training will also interview you. A decision is made within a month after all of the interviews have been completed.
Can I apply if I am active duty?
You can apply if you are in the process of being medically retired or honorably discharged from the military. If a first responder is still working in a first responder capacity, we will need written approval from a supervisor that a service dog can accompany the applicant to work.
What happens after acceptance of an applicant?
Once someone is accepted, we will update them every 3 months on the general timeline. Approximately 6-9 months prior to receiving a service dog we will conduct a Needs Assessment. This is where our Director of Training will talk with the client to better understand their needs and what they would like their service dog to do. We will tailor the end of the dogs training to best fit the needs of a specific client. 1 month prior to placement we will tell the client which dog they will receive and work to schedule their Joint Training in the Tampa, FL area. Joint Training lasts between 1-2 weeks. Prior to Joint Training they will receive all necessary review material to ensure a successful training experience and prepare to bring the dog into their home.
What is the average wait time after a client is approved for a service dog?
18 months
What is the cost to the client?
Our service dogs are provided to the veteran or first responder at no cost. We just require that the recipient be financially responsible for the dog once they receive it.