Become a Paw Partner
Join Service Dogs of Virginia in making a lasting impact by becoming a Paw Partner, our Monthly Giving Program. Your ongoing support helps us provide expertly trained service and facility dogs, along with lifelong follow-up care, entirely free of charge to those who need them most.
Your generosity covers essentials like food, veterinary care, advanced training, enrichment, pet insurance, and more—ensuring every dog is healthy, happy, and ready to serve.
We can't do this without you. Together, we empower independence, healing, and hope one dog, one person, one life at a time.
Imagine the comfort a child feels during a difficult counseling session, simply by having a soft ear to scratch. That's the quiet strength William, a facility dog, brings to his work alongside social worker Emily at ReadyKids. ReadyKids is a vital non-profit in the Charlottesville area, offering essential services like counseling for children who have experienced trauma. For a child navigating tough emotions, William provides non-judgmental support and a calming presence.
And it’s not just William. Currently SDV has 15 active facility dog teams, serving in counseling centers, courthouses, universities and in private counseling. In 2024, these teams supported over 7,500 individuals.Their presence can reduce anxiety, ease feelings of isolation, and build meaningful connections, offering comfort where it's needed most. Whether sitting beside a patient or helping a child manage trauma, facility dogs are more than companions—they’re partners in healing.