Eligibility:

PSD treats each of our dogs as individuals. We know their strengths and personalities and work hard to create strong veteran/service dog matches. PSD team matches are not based on a spreadsheet, they are based on the veteran’s needs, the dog’s strengths, size, living situation, personality, and an indescribable “it” factor.

Carefully matching veteran/service dog teams is one of PSD’s strengths.

Veterans never pay for their service dog but are responsible for their care after placement.

Our dogs are trained to assist with

  • PTSD/MST

  • Mobility & Balance Assistance

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

Eligibility Requirements

If you are a veteran interested in applying for a service dog, please review the following information to determine if you meet Patriot Service Dogs’ eligibility requirements.

  • You have served in any U.S. Armed Forces branch and received an honorable discharge.

  • You reside in the Southeastern United States and do not have more than one pet dog living in your home.

  • A medical professional has stated that you would benefit from a service dog.

  • You can physically maintain a service dog's health and exercise needs.

  • You are willing to undergo the entire PSD application process, including mailing in the application, an in-person or video interview, possible follow-up conversations, and a home visit with an understanding that PSD may not have a dog for you.

  • If matched with a dog, you are committed to our intensive advanced training and pre-training programs.

  • You can financially provide for the dog's well-being (including unexpected emergencies).

  • You are willing to maintain PSD's training and undergo yearly recertification tests throughout the dog's working life.

  • You can meet the physical and emotional needs of a dog.

  • You have a support system in place to support a significant life change. 

Patriot Service Dogs typically places dogs around the age of two. Please consider if you can physically manage a young dog and provide it with the exercise it needs, and if you will be able to do so in the foreseeable future before applying.

Learn how service dog Millie found her purpose and veteran Karen found the support she needed—here.

  • Our dogs are raised to be very in tune with “their” person and will alert to anxiety or stress in different ways. They also learn two variations of pressure therapy and a hand signal to “speak,” so a veteran can quickly leave an uncomfortable situation.

  • No. Our dogs will not bark to scare the public, “block,” “pop the corner,” or provide protection. No ADI member organization teaches protection behaviors.

  • No. Our matching process is based on many factors, but not breed. About 80% of our dogs are Labrador Retrievers. All of our dogs shed.

Patriot Service Dogs complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Patriot Service Dogs does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.