Are you a military vet looking for a service dog?
Service Dogs for Veterans
Putnam Service Dogs is honored to support veterans who may benefit from a service dog.
For a matched veteran, we provide the service dog free of charge, along with follow-up training to help the team continue working together successfully.
Because demand for our dogs is much greater than our current donations, staff, and volunteer capacity can support, placement is not guaranteed. Our resources are also used to train service dogs for non-veterans with physical disabilities other than blindness.
For veterans, Putnam Service Dogs trains service dogs for physical needs as well as PTSD-related support.
Please note that we do not train personal pet dogs to become service dogs.
We look for candidates who can benefit from a service dog and who are also able to provide safe, consistent, and humane care. This includes daily exercise, structure, safety, and the financial ability to care for the dog. On average, ongoing care costs may be $1,500–$2,000 per year.
You can also read our guide on how veterans can apply for and be matched with a service dog to better understand the process, requirements, and next steps.
Putnam Service Dogs is proud to be a member of Return the F.A.V.O.R., a Putnam County program connecting veterans with local businesses and organizations that offer special discounts and services.
Service Dogs For Veterans With PTSD
For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life can come with challenges that are not always visible. Experiences from military service may continue to affect daily routines, public environments, relationships, and overall well-being.
A PTSD service dog can help provide structure, grounding, and task-based support as a veteran moves through everyday life.
At Putnam Service Dogs, each match is made with care. We look for a strong connection between the veteran and dog, with the goal of building a working partnership that supports the veteran’s needs and quality of life.
Putnam Service Dogs is Committed to Helping our Vets
At Putnam Service Dogs, supporting veterans is personal to us. Our founder and CEO, Nancy Teague, is the proud mother of an Army veteran, and that connection has helped shape our commitment to serving veterans with care, respect, and purpose.
We understand that veterans may need support in different ways. For some, that support is physical. For others, it may be related to PTSD, stress, anxiety, or the challenges of moving through daily life after military service. Our goal is to help build service dog partnerships that support greater independence, confidence, and well-being.
PTSD Service Dog Training
Putnam Service Dogs trains mixed-breed rescue dogs that are carefully selected for our service dog training program. For veterans with PTSD or physical disabilities other than blindness, these dogs are trained to become steady working partners who can support daily life, independence, and well-being.
Each dog begins with foundational training through our puppy raiser program. Volunteer puppy raisers help the dogs build confidence, learn structure, practice socialization, and prepare for the more advanced service dog training ahead. Throughout this process, our trainers guide the raisers and help each dog continue developing the skills needed for service work.
A significant amount of time, consistency, and care goes into every dog’s training. Before placement, each dog must be prepared for the responsibilities of service work and able to perform the tasks needed to safely and reliably support their future person.
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Am I Eligible for a Service Dog?
You might be eligible for a service dog if you are a first responder, active duty military, or a veteran. Are you interested in applying for a service dog? Check out the following guidelines to see if you qualify.
- You are either a veteran who served in any branch of the military who has been awarded an honorable discharge or an active duty service member who resides in the United States.
- You are currently a first responder who has a disability that affects your work
- You are either disabled physically and/or have PTSD
- When you apply, you are willing to care for the needs of the service dog, such as nutrition, physical health, vet care, flea & tick medications, grooming, exercise, and more.Â
Are you a veteran who is looking to apply for a service dog?
Get in touch with us today if you have questions about our process, our dogs, etc. We will help you throughout every step of the process.Â