Service dogs don’t happen without you.

Service Dogs of Virginia is proud to be part of C-VILLE Gives this year. Your gift helps train the next service dog and build a life-changing partnershipfor someone who needs one.

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What a service Dog Changes

Every team we place restores something specific: independence, confidence, or safety.

“This has greatly increased my independence — I've even bought my first house and can now live on my own. Every day with Clara is invaluable, but being at the theater with her has been extra special because I get to share the world I love with the dog I love. She allows me to do my dream job, and I am forever grateful.”

Medical Alert Client Hannah

Independence

A man with a beard, wearing a navy visor and a blue plaid shirt, smiling and crouching next to a happy, light-colored service dog with a red vest at a Disney theme park, with the castle and other visitors in the background.

“Spirit gave me the power to get out and about again—Disney, ball parks, the grocery store, even big box stores. With his help, along with counseling and other supports, not existing is something I no longer consider. And because of the confidence he helped me rebuild, I’m now able to do day-to-day life on my own.”

PTSD Client Joel

Confidence

Two smiling females, one adult and one child, standing with a black dog with a red harness in front of freezer doors at a grocery store.

“Before Baldwin, I couldn’t take Caroline anywhere by myself. I was terrified she’d run off and I wouldn’t be able to catch her. Now, with Baldwin by our side, that fear is gone. Baldwin listens so well and keeps Caroline close. It’s just so much less stress for all of us.”

Ashley, parent of an autism program client

Safety

What your gift covers

Each dog takes two years and about $40,000 to train a service dog.

Here’s where your gift goes.

  • Helps cover enrichment and socialization outings

  • Helps cover the cost of a vest and essential gear

  • Helps provide high-quality nutrition

  • Helps cover the cost of preventative medications

  • Helps cover veterinary care

  • Helps support a dog’s journey from pup to partner

The next Clara, Spirit or Baldwin is in training now.

Your C-VILLE Gives donation helps carry them from puppy to partner, ready to give someone the independence Clara gave Hannah.

Donate Now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, because Service Dogs of Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and no goods or services were provided in exchange for your unrestricted financial donation, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Please keep this written acknowledgement for your tax records.

    FEIN: 54-1962908

  • Your donation goes directly toward training and placing service dogs, including veterinary care, food, training equipment, and the hands-on instruction needed to match each dog with the right person. We do not charge our clients for the cost of training their service dog, so your support helps cover these expenses and makes each placement possible.

  • We’re so glad you want to help! Volunteer opportunities may include puppy raising, helping at events, supporting fundraising and outreach, administrative support, and other behind-the-scenes roles. Click on Volunteer Opportunities to see how you can get involved.

  • Yes! Please visit our Items in Demand to see the items we currently need.

  • There are many ways to help! Click Ways to Give to see how you can support.