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America's VetDogs
1-631-930-9000
371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787-2976
Servicing New York.
What makes this organization unique?
The America’s VetDogs assistance dog programs were created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. We help all service members who have served honorably, regardless of when or where they served, or how they became disabled.
On a case-by-case basis, we offer cross-trained guide dogs to perform service dog tasks. These service dog tasks can be added to a training program for qualified students. Tasks can include providing balance, retrieval and hearing assistance.
In 2013, America's VetDogs became the second assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
America’s VetDogs is a 501(c)3 charity that has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The Platinum Participant level requires that we share more than just our financial data. We also reported on our goals, strategies, capabilities, and programs. VetDogs was also recognized by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance as an accredited charity that meets their twenty “Standards for Charity Accountability”. VetDogs has also been identified by The Patriots Initiative as an accredited charity that meets their best practices that most effectively support our nation's armed forces communities.
MISSION: To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence. The service dog programs of America’s VetDogs were created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to United States veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance. Not only does a service dog provide support with daily activities, it provides the motivation to tackle everyday challenges.
Who can sign up to get a service dog?
service dog for PTSD program is limited to veterans with combat-related PTSD and first-responders with work-related PTSD. VetDogs trains and places service dogs for those with physical disabilities; guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; and facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals.
How much does it cost for the vet to get a dog?
All services are provided at no cost to clients — this includes your dog, transportation to and from our campus in Smithtown, New York, instruction, and more.
What kind of service dogs are offered?
Service Dog- A service dog is specially trained to help veterans who have disabilities other than visual impairment. A service dog can be trained to provide balance, retrieve dropped items, open and close doors, turn on and off lights, carry a backpack, and much more.
Guide Dog- A guide dog is trained to find and follow a clear path, maneuver around obstacles, and stop at curbs. A veteran with a guide dog gains enhanced mobility and independence.
Service Dog for PTSD- A service dog for post traumatic stress disorder is trained to help mitigate the symptoms of PTSD by providing the emotional and physical support a veteran may need. A service dog for PTSD can be trained to interrupt a night terror, retrieve an item, get help and much more.
Facility Dog- These specially trained dogs, spend time working with wounded veterans recovering at military hospitals and veterans medical centers. Dogs work with physical and occupational therapists as they treat soldiers and become an essential part of the healing process.
Seizure Response Dog- Seizure response dogs are trained to perform special tasks following a seizure to assist its handler. These tasks may include getting help, operating a call button or k9 phone, or retrieving medication.
Military facility Dog- America's VetDogs has trained and placed Military Facility Dogs to provide animal assisted therapy intervention to wounded soldiers and active duty personnel during their journey to recovery at military installations, military and VA medical centers, and VA nursing homes. These dogs are important members of rehabilitation teams at various military hospitals and veterans' medical centers including Camp Lejeune U.S. Naval Hospital in North Carolina, Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda
How long does it take to get the new service dog?
We do have a waiting list. Email info@VetDogs.org to find out the specifics.
Where does the organization get the aminals to train?
America's VetDogs and its sister organization, the Guide Dog Foundation, have their own breeding program.
Get Connected with America's VetDogs.
