Service Dogs of Virginia

Celebrating 25 years of life-changing partnerships

A cartoon illustration of a puppy sitting with several red balloons tied to its collar.

Real STories. Real Impact

See how service dogs are changing lives every day.

Over 125 life-changing partnerships - and counting

At Service Dogs of Virginia, we train dogs for five specialized programs — Autism Support, Medical Alert, Physical Assistance, PTSD Support, and Facility Dogs — creating life-changing partnerships that bring hope, independence, and peace of mind.

A man sitting on a park bench with a yellow lab dog sitting in front of him. The man is wearing a cap, blue zip-up jacket, and shorts. The park has green grass, trees, and a clear sky.

“Palmer has made such a difference in my life, that I can't imagine where I'd be today without him.  Even with the constant attention he receives, he stays so focused on me, always watching, always ready to respond.  Yes, he still helps out with my "destructive behaviors", but those aren't the interventions that I value the most.  It's the times he's intervening seemingly at random that he really earns his money.  Palmer is so in-tune with me that he's stopping things before they happen.”

Donnie

A woman in a motorized wheelchair smiling and holding a leash, with a black service dog standing beside her, wearing a red and black service vest, on a brick sidewalk during autumn.

“Having Judith by my side, means I can go confidently into public buildings, not having to worry whether someone will be able to help me open the door or use the elevator. And while I’m at home, I never have to worry what I will do if I drop something. This is particularly important with my cell phone, as it is my lifeline to the outside world, and how I would reach my caregivers in an emergency when I am home alone. This piece of mind alone is invaluable. Without her support, it would be much more difficult for me to live independently or handle the responsibilities of my full-time job.”

Laura

A woman hugging a black Labrador retriever dog on a porch with beige siding and a potted red geranium plant.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of the things I’ve done, without Wylie. I feel like a different person. I feel more confident and less overwhelmed. For the first time ever, I don’t need daily anxiety/depression medication. And sometimes, I don’t even need to take my sleep medication. All because of my best friend, Wylie. I love her so much and I really appreciate you all having this program and getting us together.”

Didi

Want to be a part of the next success story?

It takes over $40,000 to train and place just one service dog — but the individuals we serve never pay for their dog. Thanks to generous supporters like you, we’re able to provide these life-changing partnerships to children, adults, and veterans living with disabilities. Together, we’re creating independence, confidence, and hope — one dog at a time.

We understand your support is an investment in changing lives — and we take that responsibility seriously.

Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) — the leading global authority for service dog organizations, ensuring we meet the highest standards for training, ethics, and care.

Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit — your donation is tax-deductible and goes directly toward creating life-changing partnerships.

Your trust matters. Your gift makes an impact.

Give with Confidence

A black demonstration service dog lying down, wearing a red harness and purple collar, against a white background.

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