NEADS Service Dogs for Veterans
Who does NEADS serve?
NEADS offers fully-trained Service Dogs for United States veterans who have a permanent physical disability or hearing loss, or have MS or other progressive conditions. These disabilities do not need to be service related.
Do you have Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD?
The Trauma Assistance Dog program (TAD) is designed for veterans with diagnosed service-related post-traumatic stress. Learn more here.
What geographic area do you cover?
Veterans living anywhere in the US can apply to the NEADS Service Dog and Service Dog for Hearing programs. Veterans applying to the PTSD program must live within a 3-hour drive of the NEADS campus in Princeton, MA.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to generous donors and federal and state funding, Service Dogs are provided at no charge for veterans who are eligible for our program.
Is NEADS ADI certified?
As a charter member of ADI (Assistance Dogs International), NEADS is recognized as an approved Service Dog program by the VA.
How do NEADS Dogs help veterans?
Service Dogs for Veterans with Physical Disabilities
Service Dogs assist veterans with a physical disability by performing tasks to assist their partner. They accompany their partners wherever they go. Service Dogs can help with all kinds of tasks, including the following:
- Retrieve objects from tables, counters, floors
- Turn light switches on and off
- Push elevator/automatic door buttons
- Stand and brace for stability during a transfer
- Barking on command for help
- Get a cordless phone in an emergency
Ready to apply for a Service Dog? Start the application process here. Have questions? Looking for more information? Get in touch with us via the form on this page, and we'll get back to you in a timely manner.
Service Dogs for Veterans with Hearing Loss
Service Dogs for Hearing are specifically trained to help veterans who are deaf or have hearing loss. Hearing Dogs alert their partners to sounds around the home and in public, including the following:
- A knock at the door
- A smoke detector
- An alarm clock
- A cell phone ringing
- The sound of their partner's name being called
- Keys being dropped
Ready to apply for a Service Dog? Start the application process here. Have questions? Looking for more information? Get in touch with us via the form on this page, and we'll get back to you in a timely manner.
NOTE: If you are interested in learning more about our TAD program for veterans with PTSD, please visit this page.