Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions from veterans, donors, and supporters.
1. How much does a Pawsitivity service dog cost?
For the veteran, there is no cost.
The total cost to select, train, place, and support a fully trained Pawsitivity service dog is typically more than $25,000. That reflects careful dog selection, professional training over many months, veterinary care, food, equipment, and ongoing follow-up after placement.
In some cases, Pawsitivity also provides scholarships that help cover part of the cost of service dog training through partner programs. In all cases, veterans are never asked to pay fees or fundraise. Donor support covers the expense.
2. Do veterans really receive the service dog at no cost?
There are no placement fees, no training fees, and no requirement for veterans to fundraise. The full cost of selecting, training, and placing each service dog is covered through donations, grants, and community support.
Our goal is simple: remove financial barriers so veterans can focus on their health, independence, and daily life, not on paying for a service dog.
3. What percentage of donations go directly to programs?
4. Are donations tax-deductible?
Pawsitivity Service Dogs for Veterans is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 47-1446634). Donors receive a receipt for tax purposes, and contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.
5. How is Pawsitivity different from other service dog organizations?
Pawsitivity focuses on individualized training and long-term support. Our approach centers on one-on-one work with each veteran, tailored to specific disabilities, daily routines, and goals. We also use group or class sessions when appropriate, but we don’t rely on a large-cohort model. After placement, support continues as needs change, which helps teams succeed over the long term. We have also completed an independent third-party impact evaluation that found our impact substantial and often life-changing. We also publish our financials and annual reports so donors can see how funds are used.
6. How long does it take to train a service dog?
Training a Pawsitivity service dog typically takes about two years.
This includes careful selection of a suitable dog, foundational training, advanced task work, and individualized training with the veteran. Not every dog is capable of service work, so time is also spent evaluating temperament and suitability before a dog is ever matched.
The length of training reflects our focus on reliability, safety, and long-term success for each veteran–dog team.
7. Who is eligible for a Pawsitivity service dog?
U.S. military veterans living with disabilities are eligible.
Pawsitivity works with veterans who have PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, mobility challenges, and other service-connected disabilities. Because each service dog is trained for specific tasks, eligibility depends on whether a dog can be trained to meaningfully support the veteran’s needs.
8. What disabilities do Pawsitivity service dogs support?
Pawsitivity service dogs support veterans with a range of disabilities, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, mobility impairments, and other physical or neurological disabilities. Many of the veterans we work with have more than one disability, and training is tailored to address their specific challenges and daily needs.
Each service dog is trained to perform tasks that directly support the veteran, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
9. What happens after a veteran receives their service dog?
Receiving a service dog is not the end of the process. Pawsitivity provides follow-up training, check-ins, and ongoing support to help the veteran and dog succeed as a team. As a veteran’s needs change over time, we work with them to adjust training and address new challenges.
Our goal is long-term success, not just placement.
Still have questions?
If you’d like to support the training and placement of service dogs for veterans, you can learn more or make a donation below.