Assistance Dogs

SSD for Veterans

Supporting Veterans through Assistance Dogs

Giving veterans renewed confidence in their everyday lives

Apply for an Assistance Dog

SSD accepts application requests for veteran placements year round.

Request an Application

Susquehanna Service Dogs provides assistance dogs and skilled companion dogs to support veterans and their families. With their expert training, they are lifelines that give veterans the confidence and hope to participate fully in everyday life.

Each assistance dog is individually trained to offer practical support based on the unique needs of their veteran partner. Tasks may include retrieving items, balance and mobility, deep pressure to reduce stress and anxiety, and so much more. Just as importantly, assistance dogs foster a sense of confidence, helping veterans reconnect with family, friends, and social networks and opening up opportunities for activities veterans may have previously avoided.

Susquehanna Service Dogs aims to empower veterans to thrive as active members of their families and communities. With their assistance dog by their side, veterans are better equipped to tackle everyday tasks, strengthen relationships, and pursue their goals, hobbies, and dreams.

SSD Phelps is my Lifeline to the World

“[SSD Phelps has] given me more confidence,” said Lisa Edwards, US Army veteran. “The ability to speak up for myself, to be more proactive in every aspect of my life, whether it be getting up to take a shower or going to a grocery store or going to medical appointments or going to get my car fixed or whatever that may be. You know, I had all those challenges that now I don’t even think about.

“I served in the United States Army. I was medically discharged for knees and PTSD. I was assaulted when I was in Korea with another female when we were off base. When I got home, I got really depressed, nightmares and flashbacks. A therapist that I was working with at the VA suggested that I get a service dog. So in 2016, I applied. In 2018, I met (SSD) Phelps.

“If you think you need a (service) dog, well, get one. It’s the biggest life-changing thing that you can do for yourself, and you deserve it. You deserve to have the peace of mind and the ability and the freedom to go wherever you want to go. It’s that life-changing. There’s nothing greater than being able to have that swagger back in your step that we’re all used to. Sky’s the limit when you have a (service) dog. Really is.”