Welcome to the Paws of Freedom FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our veteran service dog program. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Paws of Freedom” is grounded in the belief that every veteran deserves the freedom to live a full and independent life. This program is designed to make that belief a reality by offering veterans the companionship and support of a dedicated service dog, while simultaneously rescuing dogs from overcrowded shelters. Each dog in our program is given a new purpose and a second chance to thrive as they embark on a journey to become a life-changing partner for a veteran.
Eligible applicants are U.S. Military veterans who have been discharged under Honorable, Under Honorable Conditions (General), or Under Other than Honorable Conditions. Applicants must have a diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, and/or MST and be committed to participating in a training program in Bullhead City, AZ, which may extend up to 24 months or longer.
Veterans or their family members can initiate the application process by completing the intake application. After the application and all required documents are submitted, it typically takes 2 to 3 months to receive a decision on acceptance status.
– DD-214 (member 4 copy that shows your signature & status of discharge)
– Primary Care Physician’s Report (PCP) – Primary Care Physician’s Report (PCP) from your clinician stating that you have been clinically diagnosed with service-connected PTSD and/or TBI and/or MST. The PCP Report must also state that you are both mentally & physically capable of sustaining our 18 – 24-month program.
– Landlord Letter (if applicable)
– Reference Letters (must provide two (2) letters, one from a non-family member).
The selection process involves a thorough review, including home and reference checks, as well as interviews with the veteran and their support person. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the veteran and the selected dog are well-matched for success in the program. Final approval is granted by the FCW Veteran Team and the Board of Directors.
Dogs are carefully selected by the FCW Veteran Team in collaboration with Risen Star Kennel (RSK) to meet the specific needs and personality of each veteran. The chosen dog undergoes a thorough veterinary evaluation to ensure good health, including spay/neuter procedures, rabies vaccination, and any other required medical tests.
Veterans and their dogs will participate in comprehensive training provided by Risen Star Kennel (RSK). This training includes basic obedience, advanced public access skills, and specialized tasks tailored to the veteran’s needs. The training program is designed to foster a strong bond between the veteran and their service dog, ensuring the dog can effectively support the veteran’s unique requirements.
The training process can take up to 24 months or longer, depending on how well the dog and veteran advance together. The duration also depends on the amount of time the veteran dedicates to training and the specific needs of the veteran.
The Paws of Freedom program mandates rigorous training and assessment to certify that each service dog meets the highest standards. Both the service dog and veteran team must successfully complete the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Public Access Tests, showcasing the dog’s proficiency in various public environments. Furthermore, the team must demonstrate the successful execution of at least three tasks tailored to address the veteran’s PTSD and/or TBI symptoms.
No, the Paws of Freedom program does not train personal pets as service dogs. We focus on rescuing dogs from shelters and selecting them through our partnership with Risen Star Kennel (RSK). These dogs are specifically chosen and trained to meet the rigorous standards required for service dog certification.
There are no costs associated with the Paws of Freedom program for veterans during the training phase. However, veterans are responsible for covering the basic costs of their dog’s food and grooming during the training period, as well as any expenses incurred after graduation.
Here are some examples of tasks that a service dog trained through the Paws of Freedom program may perform:
Public Assistance: Accompany you in public places such as restaurants, grocery stores, and public transportation to help manage anxiety and ensure your comfort. (Note: Service dogs are covered under the ADA in these settings.)
Crowd Management: Maintain a position between you and others in crowded environments to create additional personal space.
Anxiety Support: Provide physical contact or comfort during moments of heightened anxiety or stress.
Alerting: Notify you when someone approaches from behind, enhancing your awareness and security.
Medication Reminders: Assist in remembering to take your medications as scheduled.
If a veteran is unable to complete the program, we will work closely with them to understand the reasons and explore possible solutions. If it is determined that the veteran must be removed from the program, the dog will be returned to Feral Cat Warriors. The dog will then be either reassigned to another veteran in the program or placed into a foster home to complete training as an emotional support dog (ESA).
We encourage one family member to participate in all training sessions with the veteran, serving as their support person throughout the process. While other household members are welcome to support the veteran, having just one designated support person ensures a stronger bond between the dog and the veteran. The instructor may have specific requirements during the training program, which will be communicated as needed.
Yes, veterans must have a diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, and/or MST to be eligible for the program. Additionally, they must be willing to commit to the training process, which can last up to 24 months or more, and be prepared for any necessary health evaluations and ongoing care related to their condition and the service dog’s needs.
Risen Star Kennel (RSK) plays a crucial role in the Paws of Freedom program. As our training partner, RSK is responsible for the professional training of both the service dogs and the veteran participants. Their responsibilities include:
Dog Selection: RSK, in collaboration with the FCW veteran team, selects a suitable dog from a shelter or rescue that matches the veteran’s needs and personality. This dog is then evaluated for health and suitability.
Training: RSK provides comprehensive training to ensure that both the service dogs and veterans are well-prepared. This includes basic obedience, advanced public access training, and task-specific skills tailored to address the veteran’s PTSD, TBI, or MST symptoms.
Support and Guidance: RSK offers ongoing support to veterans throughout the training process. They ensure that veterans and their service dogs build a strong bond and achieve the necessary skills for successful service dog certification.
Graduation: RSK oversees the final evaluation of the veteran and their service dog, ensuring they meet all program requirements before graduation.
Their trainer is a seasoned behavior modification trainer with over 50 years of experience in the US military and local law enforcement, leading the training efforts, RSK brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to the program.
The public can support the Paws of Freedom program in several meaningful ways:
Donate: Your financial contributions help cover the costs associated with training, veterinary care, and other essential services for the service dogs and veterans. Every donation makes a difference. Donate to Paws of Freedom.
Amazon Wishlist: You can also support our program by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist. These items directly benefit the veterans and service dogs in our program. View and purchase from our Amazon Wishlist.
Your support is vital in helping us provide service dogs to veterans and make a positive impact on their lives. Thank you for your generosity!