For some, the battle is not over. The sights, the sounds, the smells still haunt the minds of many of our Nation’s Heroes.
SD4V provides a unique training program for Veterans to train their own Service Dog, to help them cope with the pain of loss, the nightmare of memory, and the loneliness of survival.
This training helps to build strong ADA-compliant Service Dog Teams that positively impact the quality of life of the Veteran, and their Dog.
Scroll below to see what success in the SD4V Program looks like. These Veterans have experienced recovery and healing throughout their journey.
Graduated
What you need to know
After 8 months of living with your dog, being trained to train & bond with your own dog, and graduating as an ADA compliant Service Dog Team - Veterans can expect on average a 50% reduction* in their significant life limiting symptoms!
We encourage and welcome any and all involvement from the Veteran’s family and friends. Throughout all three phases, the Veteran will be assisted by a Veteran Advocate for support and encouragement.
With the generosity of our donors, 98% of the costs are paid through scholarships resulting in very modest out-of-pocket costs to the Veteran.
We rescue shelter dogs selected for the indiviual training needs and lifestyle of the Veteran.
Veterans learn positive reinforcement training techniques that bring out the best in themselves & their dog.
In 3 Months we graduate focused companion dogs and confident, skilled handlers.
In 8 Months we graduate loyal service dogs and confident, skilled handlers.
We are located in Greenville, South Carolina, serving Veterans in Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, & Georgia.
Typically, any veteran within a 2-hour, or less, driving distance can enter the program.
SD4V’s program is provided for Veterans and active military regardless of the era in which served.
Any Veteran with or without a disability can apply for our 3 month Companion Dog training phase.
Applicants needing an ADA compliant service dog must successfully complete the Companion Dog phase, and have a verified diagnosis of PTSD, TBI or MST to graduate into the 5 month Service Dog training phase.
The Veteran will attend a weekly one-hour day-time or evening group class. Family members are urged to attend as well. The Veteran will keep a daily training log. The benefit is the family knows what the dogs know. Companion Dog program is a duration of three months. The Service Program is an additional five months, for a total of an eight-month program.
Yes! The Veteran’s dog will be considered. This will be discussed during the intake process. We provide a complete wellness check-up by our veterinarian.
Our goal is to use 100% local shelter and rescue dogs.
Dogs are selected and vetted based on the individual training needs and lifestyle requirements of the Veteran.
We provide a complete wellness check-up by our veterinarian.