Valor Service Dogs trains and places Facility Dogs with qualified handlers in a health care, office or dispatch setting that supports wounded soldiers, active military or first responders. Facility Dogs provide emotional support to patients, clients and staff and can be used by their handler to motivate and encourage the people around them. Facility Dogs live with their handler and are only allowed public access to the specific facility at which their handler is employed. A Facility Dog works full-time at a facility under care of its handler. Dogs selected to become facility dogs love meeting new people, are affectionate, have a moderate energy level, and have great manners inside a home or office. They know a breadth of skills that can be used in a therapeutic way.
Facility Dogs can help staff/clients/patients increase motivation, promote social interaction, increase feelings of security, enjoy a more home-like environment, and improve overall morale of the office.
Responsibility for the Facility Dog resides with a single person, the “handler”. This person completes the application and considered the only contact and caretaker of the dog. The dog will accompany the handler to work each day and go home with the handler each night so that the dog can enjoy a normal pet life when at home.
If you would like additional information and the Facility Dog application, please fill out the form below and we will contact you shortly.
If you need assistance completing electronic forms, please contact Marissa@valorservicedogs.org or call 813-634-3232 to discuss accessibility options.
Facility Dog Application Eligibility Requirements:
Must be able to travel to VSD headquarters (Tampa, FL) for up to 1 week for training before taking your dog home (pending acceptance).
Facility serves/supports/employs wounded soldiers, active military, government agencies, or first responders.
The Facility has a capable and approved handler that the dog will live and work with.
The Facility and VSD enter into an ownership agreement that outlines care for the dog, legal ownership, financial burden, and the path forward if the handler leaves their job or a new handler needs to be appointed.
Please note that the wait list for receiving a facility dog can be two years long