Service Dogs for Veterans and first responders participants. Facility dogs are available for professional settings as requested.

Increased independence, companionship and self worth.

No, Tails of Valor® service dogs and all follow-up services are provided free of charge to the Veteran/participant. Veterans/participants are responsible for their transportation and expenses when pairing with one of our dogs. A graduated team pair will be responsible for the care of the dog including grooming and routine veterinary expenses. Dog food will be supplied for life when completing the annual health and wellness requirements.

Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Poodles, and cross mixes including those breeds

Our dogs are trained for each individual's needs. Skills may include retrieval, pulling, alerting, etc. OUR dogs are NOT trained to do the following: Guide work for the blind, seizure or diabetic alert/response or balance work To recognize and/or manage undesirable human behavior Respond aggressively or provide personal protection

Canines in the program are dogs of various breeds, chosen by strength, health, and temperament. We ask all volunteer puppy raisers to be flexible regarding gender, breed or color to assure that every puppy finds a home quickly and efficiently.

Puppies are chosen on space availability and the right fit for the program. Many of our dogs are donated to our program.

You must be at least 21 years old to volunteer to become a puppy raiser/sitter.

We strongly prefer, but do not require that our puppy raiser/sitter homes have a fenced yard. Puppy raisers/sitters must agree to follow our supervision and leash requirements. Puppies must not be off leash at any time unless in an enclosed area or with a TOV trainer. We don’t allow use of electric fencing.

Puppy raisers/sitters must set aside time for daily training and attend obedience classes for the duration of the program.

Puppies need physical activity in the form of play or walking. Puppy raisers/sitters should expect to provide at least 25-35 minutes of exercise per day. TOV puppies are not allowed to visit public dog parks.

Absolutely! Remember you will be dropping pup off at the training center daily (like a daycare for our dogs in training). Most puppy raisers gain approval to take the puppy to work as the dog progresses. We recommend speaking to your employer prior to applying. The puppy will need regular toileting breaks throughout the day; this might be a disruption.

Our puppies will be required to attend the daytime training program. This will start at the age of 10 weeks after the bonding period is completed and the TOV puppy has received a health and wellness checkup. When the puppy is left unsupervised he/she should always be in the appropriate size crate for a maximum of 4 hours.

In most cases, the puppy can accompany the puppy raiser on vacation, or can be placed with another puppy raiser/sitter that meets TOV criteria. We offer guidelines for age appropriate travel outings and activities.

We ask that our Puppy raisers/sitters only have one other canine in the household (We love cats, no limits). All pets in the home must be current on vaccines. There is no policy regarding age and number of children in the home; however, we require families with young children to attend a puppy class and/or evaluate carefully the commitment of puppy raising.

Each puppy raiser/sitter goes through an orientation process and is given a manual. We also provide ongoing training support to everyone via phone, e-mail, or in-person. You will be required to attend puppy class for the duration of the commitment.

Puppies must be exposed or “socialized” to activities of daily life. This can include accompanying the puppy raiser to the workplace, shopping center or other public places. When in public, the pups wear a vest identifying the fact that they are being socialized for special purposes. However, we rely upon the goodwill of merchants and business owners rather than the legal system for gaining public access. We must be attentive and respectful when socializing the TOV puppies.

We believe in the use of positive reinforcement combined with appropriate corrections. Our puppies are raised by their puppy raisers/sitters using Gentle Leaders© or other similar and approved head collars, verbal commands and treats.

Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor Inc. maintains ownership of each puppy and our staff will find a new raiser/sitter for any puppy.

You and the pup you raise/sit will take a long journey together! It’s only natural that you will become very attached to the dog. The ability to give up a dog comes from knowing that you’re raising this puppy for a purpose — that the puppy will go on to help someone with a disability lead a more social and independent lifestyle.

TOV will make an effort to unite the puppy raiser with the dog recipient at graduation. At the time of graduation you will be able to meet the Veteran and provide your praises for the new team pairing.

Puppy raisers/sitters agree to provide treats and supplies (as needed-some supplied), transportation and related expenses while the puppy is in their care. These expenses are tax deductible. Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor Inc. will provide food (through Verus pet foods), training supplies, crate, and veterinary care.

In the event the dog is released from our program, this dog will be placed into our COC program (change of career). The pup may be adopted as a pet or Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor Inc. will place the dog in an approved home from our COC dog wait list. An adoption fee may apply.