Our Programs

Since its founding in 2000, Service Dogs of Virginia have placed over 120 service dogs helping people with disabilities gain independence, security and peace of mind by being matched with an exceptional service dog.

Explore our five programs:

AUTISM SERVICE DOGS: Autism Service Dogs for Adults (age 18+). Click here to learn more. Please note, our Autism Service Dogs for Children is temporarily closed. If you wish to be added to a notification list when the applications reopen, please click here.

FACILITY DOGS: Facility dogs are trained to work in facilities like courthouses, schools, counseling centers or hospitals. Unlike service dogs that work with one person, professionally trained facility dogs work with a handler to serve multiple people who need social interaction, recovery motivation, comfort and/or a feeling of safety. This program is currently closed.If you wish to be added to a notification list when the applications reopen, please click here.

MEDICAL ALERT SERVICE DOGS: Medical Alert Service Dogs are trained using scent detection to identify changes that occur in human body odor. .SDV trains dogs to alert to Type I Diabetes, Addison’s Disease, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Click here to learn more.

PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE DOGS Physical Assistance Service Dogs dogs are partnered with adults (18+) who use power wheelchairs or scooters. These dogs are to assist with daily tasks and increase independence by reducing reliance on other people. Click here to learn more.

PTSD SERVICE DOGS: PTSD Service Dogs are are specifically trained to assist those dealing with anxiety, nightmares, and stress due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This program is open to active-duty military, veterans, and 1st responders. Click here to learn more.

Types of Dogs we Don’t Train

Please note that Service Dogs of Virginia does not train for the following:

    • Guide work for the blind

    • Hearing dogs for those with hearing impairment(s)

    • Seizure alert/response

    • Balance support while walking

    • Allergy detection

    • Psychiatric Service Dogs

    • Provide supervision, navigation, or safety from environmental hazards, aggression or personal protection

    • Soley for emotional comfort or social support

    • Does not provide owner training.

If you do not see a program that fits your need(s) or have a dog you would like to have trained to be a service dog(owner training) please visit Assistance Dogs International’s Member Search to locate an organization that can assist you. Click on “Advanced Filtering Option” to narrow down your search results.

All applicants who apply to receive a service dog from Service Dogs of Virginia will be considered on an individual basis to determine if our program is a good fit for their needs and lifestyle. Service Dogs of Virginia does not discriminate or deny services to individuals in relation to their: race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, socio-economic status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.