Almost one in five post-9/11 veterans lives with PTSD, often facing isolation, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Since 2012, Pawsitivity Service Dogs for Veterans in Saint Paul, Minnesota has rescued, trained, and placed service dogs that help veterans lead more independent lives. Every dog is provided at no cost.
These service dogs support veterans through PTSD and combat trauma. They assist with service-related disabilities, lower suicide risk, and can even help veterans avoid homelessness.
Know that your donation is effective.
Here’s how Pawsitivity measures up.
- Independent evaluation: Rated “life-changing.”
- Charity Navigator: 4 out of 4 Stars.
- Transparency: Annual reports, 990s, and CPA reviews published on our website.
- Program spending: 84% of funds directly work with veterans.
Listed as a service dog resource by the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, and K9s For Warriors. Consulted by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide input on service dog guidance.
Your support changes real veterans’ lives. Here are two of their stories.
“I trained with Pawsitivity Service Dogs in 2019 and received the trained service dog, Daniel, an adult black Labrador Retriever, to partner with in support of my PTSD received during combat in my service with the U.S. Army during OIF I and OEF VII. Pawsitivity not only trained Daniel to meet my needs but trained me as well to work with Daniel, communicate with him, understand my rights and be a responsible and proactive service animal owner.
“Pawsitivity embodies all of the seven Army core values, especially honor, integrity, and selfless service.”
— Peter, U.S. Army veteran
They are some of the kindest, hardworking and generous folks I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. I enthusiastically recommend the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pawsitivity Service Dogs to veterans who need a service dog.”
After experiencing the life-saving impact of his Pawsitivity service dog, Peter chose to give back. With support from donors like you, he completed intensive training and now works as a service dog trainer with Pawsitivity.
Toby supports his combat veteran at home as an Emotional Support Dog, and he also works at the police department as a Therapy Dog.
“We are incredibly grateful to Pawsitivity for providing us with Toby, our exceptional therapy dog. Toby has had a profound impact on our police department, offering comfort and emotional support during challenging times. His presence has been invaluable in providing relief to both victims and officers during emergencies, helping to strengthen our community. Toby's gentle and playful demeanor brings joy to everyone he meets. We cannot thank Pawsitivity enough for this wonderful addition to our team and most importantly to our family. Thank you!”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did you start Pawsitivity? What disabilities do you train to help veterans with?Pawsitivity began in 2012 and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014. We train service dogs for veterans with PTSD, mobility limitations, low or no vision, deafness, and seizures. These dogs support treatment, support daily life, and lower suicide risk. Your donation helps place a fully trained service dog with a veteran at no cost to them. How will my donation help prevent veteran suicide?Service dogs can sense distress early and interrupt it with trained tasks and steady support. They help veterans leave the house, stay engaged in treatment, and build daily routines. As our head of veteran training says, “Veterans want to be useful.” With a service dog, many veterans return to work or volunteering and reconnect with family and community. Your donation can help save the life of a veteran. Do you rescue dogs to train as service dogs?Yes. We partner with shelters, rescues, and ethical breeders to find dogs whose calmness and confidence can change a veteran’s life. How long does it take to train a service dog?Training takes 12–18 months depending on the dog and the veteran’s needs. |
