SERVICE DOGS
Service Dogs are trained to perform a specific task to mitigate a disability. The disability can be mental and/or physical. The tasks to be performed vary according to the disabilities. Tasks include, but are not limited to, retrieval of medications, water bottles or supplies; operation of light switches, opening/closing doors, mobility tasks, seizure and/or medical alerts, PTSD/nightmare interruption.

Service Dogs provide dedicated support, on a 24/7 basis, to a disabled veteran in accordance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA)*.

Training for a service dog starts at 8 weeks of age and continues until the dog is placed into service at 18 months to 2 years of age.

FACILITY/THERAPY DOGS
Facility/Therapy Dogs work alongside healthcare providers offering comfort, affection and support to veterans engaged in rehabilitation or other medical treatment. They comfort the veteran and lower the stress level during procedures, where allowed. The emotional support they provide to veterans during therapy sessions allows the veteran to relax and to support better communication between the veteran and healthcare provider. Facility Dogs visit the sick and their distressed family members, giving comfort during stressful times.

Facility/Therapy Dogs work in settings such as schools, VA Hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities and nursing homes.

Facility dog training can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS
Emotional Support Dogs help relieve symptoms of emotional distress by providing comfort, support, and companionship. While Emotional Support Dogs are well trained animals, they are not trained like Service Dogs that perform a task to mitigate a specific disability. Therefore, Emotional Support Dogs are not allowed the same privileges that the ADA* defines for a Service Dog. Emotional Support Dogs still have an important job however, as they help their veteran through everyday emotions while navigating the personal encounters of everyday life.

Training time for Emotional Support dogs can vary depending on age and circumstances. Many of these dogs are rescues or personal dogs.

COMPANION DOGS
Companion Dogs are personal family pets, whether the dog is one you rescued or the puppy you purchased. These dogs provide comfort to veterans in their own homes as they interact with family, friends, and the general public. VMF will be offering basic obedience training programs to support building a strong relationship with your pet.

Training classes will run 6-8 weeks.