Mission Statement
Service Dogs of Virginia raises, trains and places exceptionally trained dogs with people challenged by disabilities to help them achieve greater independence.About Service Dogs of Virginia
For more than two decades, Service Dogs of Virginia (SDV) has transformed lives through expertly trained service dogs that support individuals with physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, diabetes, Addison’s disease, mast cell disease, and other complex needs. SDV also provides facility dogs that support therapeutic and clinical settings throughout the Commonwealth.
Beyond task assistance, SDV’s dogs help recipients participate more fully in daily life. Service dogs can reduce caregiver burden, improve emotional regulation, increase personal safety, support participation in school or work, and strengthen long-term independence and stability for both recipients and families.
In the words of a mother of a young boy with Autism….”Before Forest, Sam’s autism made everyday activities incredibly challenging, from navigating public spaces to managing sensory overload. Forest has provided Sam with the stability, comfort, and companionship he needs to thrive. His calming influence has given Sam the confidence to engage with the world in ways we never thought possible, helping him achieve greater independence and peace of mind.
SDV’s dogs are purpose-bred and trained over a two-year period, with an average investment exceeding $40,000 per dog. Our trainers provide extensive follow-up and lifetime support to every team to ensure long-term success. Currently, SDV manages 50 teams statewide and counting facility placements, impacts over 7,000 individuals per year. We are one of only four service dog organizations in Virginia accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the only accredited organization in the Commonwealth training medical alert dogs.
Lastly, it is important to note that across Virginia, demand for expertly trained service dogs continues to grow. Individuals and families are increasingly seeking support that provides greater independence, medical safety, emotional stability, and improved quality of life. Our ability to keep up with this growth and keep our programming strong depends on engagement and financial support from our community at large, driven by campaigns like C-VILLE Gives. We are excited to be part of this new effort and look forward to partnering with more people to help carry out our important mission.