Nearly one in five post-9/11 veterans lives with PTSD, often battling isolation, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Founded in 2012 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Pawsitivity Service Dogs for Veterans rescues, trains, and places highly trained service dogs—at no cost—to veterans and first responders living with PTSD and other disabilities.

Know that your donation is making a difference.

Below is a quick comparison of how our organization stands out.

Metrics	Pawsitivity Service Dogs for Veterans
Impact & Effectiveness	✅ Independent third-party evaluation: impact is "lifechanging".
Governance & Long-Term Sustainability	✅ Guidestar Platinum Rating. Serving since 2012.
Financial Transparency	✅ Annual reports with financials, 990s, and CPA reviews on website.
Program Spending Ratio	✅ 84% ("A" rating by CharityWatch).
Partnerships	✅ Many local collaborations, including VA Hospital and Epilepsy Foundation.

Learn more about how your donation will save the lives of veterans

Your donation will train lifesaving service dogs for:

Veterans with Disabilities

“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. 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.”

Peters’s story continues: Peter, a combat veteran and former police officer, understands the challenges these roles can bring. After experiencing the life-changing impact of his Pawsitivity service dog, he decided to give back. Thanks to donors like you, Peter completed several intensive training programs and is now now is a service dog trainer with Pawsitivity.

Discover How Service Dogs Save Lives

First Responders, Including Police, Firefighters, and EMTs

“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!”

Read about First Responder Support Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

When did you start Pawsitivity? What disabilities do you train for?

Pawsitivity began its mission in 2012. By 2014, we proudly became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We empower veterans with a wide range of challenges. From PTSD to missing limbs, no or low vision, deafness, seizures. These dogs stand by our heroes every step of the way.

Every dollar you give helps place a fully trained service dog with a veteran at no cost to them.

How will my donation help prevent veteran suicide?

Our service dogs sense distress before it spirals and alert their veterans, offering steady support that helps them stay calm and grounded. This empowers them to live independent and hopeful lives.