Dog Training
· Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with Service Dogs of Va
Book online anytime
Service Dogs of Virginia is a nonprofit organization based in Charlottesville that raises, trains, and places expertly trained service dogs at no cost to individuals with disabilities across Virginia. Their dogs support children and adults with autism, veterans and active-duty military with PTSD, individuals with mobility challenges, and first responders. Each dog takes about two years and $40,000 to train, funded entirely through donations.
Best for: Individuals with autism, veterans and active-duty military with PTSD, first responders, people with mobility challenges, families seeking facility dogs for therapeutic settings
Service area: Charlottesville, Virginia and surrounding regions
No-Cost Service Dogs: Service Dogs of Virginia provides fully trained service dogs at no cost to clients, regardless of ability to pay. The organization covers all training and placement expenses through donor support.
Specialized Training Programs: Offers trained service dogs for diverse needs including autism (ages 2-10 and 18+), PTSD for military/veterans/first responders, mobility challenges, and facility dog placements in schools and hospitals.
Established Nonprofit with Impact: 501(c)(3) nonprofit with documented client success stories and testimonials showing measurable improvements in independence, confidence, and quality of life for recipients.
“Wonderful organization committed to changing people's lives. I continue to be impressed by how hard this organization works to help people. They need more volunteers to be able to help more people! So, if you want to help people and you love dogs, it's a great place to donate your time and money!”
— lani morrissey, Google Review
“Service Dogs of Virginia is a wonderful organization to work with! I was a lucky recipient of one of there amazing dogs in 2019, and now I can honestly say I don't know what I'd do without her! Plus, the staff is very dedicated, knowledgeable and friendly. As my needs have changed over the years, they've always been just a phone call or email away, ready to help in anyway they can. I'm so grateful to have found SDV.”
— Laura H. Schomaker, Google Review
“Our family has had a range of opportunities to participate with SDV, first as volunteers, and eventually one of us was matched with a service dog. As volunteers we did the puppy raising, nights and weekends, and respite. It was a true joy to have SDV dogs in our home, for a few days or up to a year. We also noticed how much the dogs loved to go to the training center, as they clearly enjoyed learning new things, and they were treated very well. They must look forward to the treats, toys and dog friends too! Then, about six months ago, I was matched with a service dog. That has definitely transformed my life in subtle and important ways. I am very appreciative of the ongoing support that the SDV trainers provide to me.”
— Adele Plunkett, Google Review
“Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV) is an outstanding organization. I am a mental health professional, and have a Facility Dog placed with me. Josie, my facility dog, is exceptionally well trained and has a positive impact on people every day. I have had abundantly positive experiences with SDV. From the very moment I applied for a dog, they considered my needs and the wellfare of the dog. They are rigorous, as they want to ensure "goodness of fit". Being placed with a dog is a big undertaking, but SDV has supported me the whole way through the process....in fact, they continue to support me and Josie with ongoing consultation. The entire staff, board, and volunteers I interact with have wanted to see me and Josie be a successful team. The organization takes great care to breed, train, place, and support exceptional dogs who are placed for 1 of 5 different jobs. This is no small undertaking, and it's always clear to me that great consideration and care is taken. I'm very grateful to SDV for their incredible work and support their continued mission. Thanks so much SDV!!!!!!”
— Rami Steinruck, Google Review
“Service Dogs of Virginia has helped so much with for me and Cash over the past couple years. They continue to provide excellent support and training for us and to help with disabilities. Highly recommend this organization to other veterans or individuals looking for support.”
— Michael Wise, Google Review
Book online: Book Online Now →
Phone: (434) 295-9503
Address: 673 Berkmar Ct, Charlottesville, VA 22901 (Get directions)
Website: servicedogsva.org/