Our Mission
“To raise and train exceptional dogs and match them with individuals with disabilities to create greater independence.” Service Dogs of Virginia, Inc. was founded in 2000 by Peggy Law who is the Executive Director and Director of Training. We are a 501(c)(3) organization located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and fully accredited by Assistance Dogs International, which sets the standards, guidelines, and ethics for the training of assistance and service dogs around the world. We place our dogs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Our Impact
Since 2000, Service Dogs of Virginia has successfully placed over 85 dogs with clients throughout Virginia. The ultimate measure of success is when a person is able to return to work, attend school safely, use fewer personal care attendant hours, and find increased personal freedom, safety, independence, companionship, and happiness. The support we receive from individuals, foundations, businesses, and the community is critical to helping us raise and train service dogs to assist people with disabilities. SDV receives no support from the government and service dogs are not covered by medical insurance. The gift our dogs give is priceless. And the individuals who receive a dog are forever grateful.