Learn what sets service dogs apart—and why their role deserves recognition. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Service Dogs of Virginia
 

Help Us Celebrate National Service Dog Month

Every day, service dogs quietly transform lives.

With steady focus and unwavering loyalty, they help their partners feel safe, confident, and capable—even in an overwhelming world. These dogs aren’t just companions—they’re lifelines.

This National Service Dog Month, we’re sharing stories and tips to help you better understand the incredible impact of service dogs.

In this issue:
👉 Meet Our Teams – Get to know the amazing dogs and people behind the partnerships
👉 Encountering Service Dogs in Public – Helpful tips on what to do (and what not to do)
👉 Working vs. Support Dogs – Understand the different roles and why it matters

Want to help make a difference? Here’s how:
✔️ Learn the facts – Understand the differences between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals
✔️ Spread the word – Share our posts, articles, and videos on social media. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
✔️ Give space – Always ask before interacting with a service dog in public—they’re working!
✔️ Donate – Support the training and care of future service dogs with a one-time or monthly gift
✔️ Get involved – Volunteer, become a puppy raiser, or attend one of our events

Every action—big or small—helps create a more informed and respectful community for service dogs and their handlers.

Thank you for celebrating with us!

 

Meet Our Teams

Your support is what makes it possible for us to place life-changing service dogs with the people who need them most. Through their stories, you’ll see how these partnerships bring independence, comfort, and hope—thanks to you.

👉 Click here to read and hear from our teams about the impact you’re making

Pictured: SDV Manci and Brendan

 

Encountering a Service Dog in Public

Service dogs have important jobs that require focus and calm. Knowing how to behave around them helps keep both the dogs and their handlers safe and comfortable. From when to approach (or not) to what to avoid doing, good etiquette makes a big difference.

Learn the key guidelines for interacting respectfully with service dogs and supporting their work.

👉 Read more about service dog etiquette

 

All About Working and Support Dogs: Understanding Their Different Roles

There are many types of dogs trained to support people in different ways, each with a unique role and purpose. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate their important work and how to respect them.

Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of service dogs, assistance dogs, therapy dogs, facility dogs, and emotional support animals.

👉 Discover the differences here

 

Be a Hero Every Month: Become a Paw Partner

This National Service Dog Month is a perfect time to make a lasting difference. By becoming a Paw Partner, you commit to a monthly gift that helps us train and place service dogs with individuals who need them most.

Your ongoing support means:

  • Service dogs receive consistent, high-quality training

  • Clients gain greater independence and confidence

  • Partnerships flourish, changing lives every single day

When you give monthly, you’re more than a donor—you’re a lifelong partner in every success story. Join today and help us ensure every service dog reaches their full potential.

 Become a Paw Partner 
 
Service Dogs of Virginia

673 Berkmar Court
Charlottesville, VA 22901
USA

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