America's VetDogs (AVD)
Service Dog (Veterans), Facility Dog, Guide Dog
Lab/Golden Crosses, Goldens, Labs
Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania
Current Locations
Must live near one of the Prison Programs.
Restrictions
The organization provides:
Vet Costs
Flea and Tick Preventatives
Heartworm Preventatives
Crate
Leash
Collar
Head Collar
Brush
Bowl
Ear Cleaner
Treat Pouch
Starter Bag of Food
Raisers pay for:
Food
Toys
Poop Bags
Supplies & Financial
Assistance
Basic Skills:
Basic obedience commands, Socialization, Loose leash walking, Potty training, Public access behavior, Self-control around distractions, Grooming
Advanced Cues:
Advanced obedience
Note: Raisers in the PTSD Trial Program teach more advanced cues.
Training Responsibilities
Online Application
2 Online Videos with quizzes
A few classes
Home Vist and Interview
Process
Raisers attend at least 1-2 meetings a month.
Time Commitment
Puppy raisers either transport their dogs to HQ or meet a transport van to send their dogs "In For Training".
Raisers get monthly updates from the trainer while the dog is IFT.
Matriculation
Puppy Raisers are invited to a video call with their dog's handler a few days before they are set to graduate.
Pre-pandemic AVD offered in-person graduation for teams, puppy raisers, and sponsors at HQ. However, there is currently no plan to resume this in person or virtually.
Graduates choose whether they would like to stay in contact with raisers and are given their contact information 3 months after graduation.
Graduation
Raisers only have the puppies on weekends and the puppies are raised in prisons by inmate handlers during the week.
There is a pilot program for full-time raising typically available for repeat raisers. These raisers teach more advanced cues.
Uniqueness
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